New York State Bar Association To Review Candidates for Chief Judge

New York State Bar Association To Review Candidates for Chief Judge

7.29.2022

By Susan DeSantis

With today’s announcement that the process for selecting New York’s chief judge is officially underway, the New York State Bar Association is preparing to evaluate the seven candidates that the Commission on Judicial Nomination recommends to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The commission has 120 days to make recommendations to the governor and the association will deliver its ratings of the candidates to the governor within 15 days of receiving the names. The governor has 15 to 30 days from the time the names are submitted by the commission to select one of the candidates. Her nominee must be confirmed by the state Senate.

“The chief judge oversees the entire state court system and ensures the integrity and fairness of our judicial system. I am proud that the New York State Bar Association plays such an integral role in helping the governor select a candidate of the highest caliber,” said Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association.

The association will consider professional ability, experience, character, temperament and other qualities in rating each candidate. Each candidate’s qualifications and background are thoroughly examined. Personal interviews are conducted, and each candidate is rated as “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “not qualified.”

According to association guidelines, “qualified” applies to candidates who have demonstrated the necessary qualifications while “well qualified” is reserved for those who possess pre-eminent abilities.

In addition to presiding over the state’s Court of Appeals, its highest court, the chief judge oversees the state court system with a budget of more than $2 billion and thousands of employees.

The association has evaluated candidates for the Court of Appeals since 1967. The Commission on Judicial Nomination was created in 1977 to evaluate and recommend candidates for appointment to the high court.

About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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