New York State Bar Association Begins Review of Candidates for Chief Judge
3.24.2023
Members of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee to Review Judicial Nominations are prepared to begin interviewing the nominees for chief judge that the Commission on Judicial Nomination submitted to Gov. Kathy Hochul today.
The committee will schedule interviews of each candidate and give ratings of “well qualified, qualified, or not qualified.”
President Sherry Levin Wallach says the association is honored to be a part of the process and will deliver its ratings to the governor within the required 15 days.
The names submitted to the governor are:
- Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro
- Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Third Department, Elizabeth A. Garry
- Caitlin Halligan, partner, Selendy Gay Elsberg and former solicitor general of the State of New York
- Corey L. Stoughton, attorney-in-charge, special litigation and law reform, The Legal Aid Society
- Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Shirley Troutman
- Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, Gerald J. Whalen
- Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Rowan D. Wilson
In releasing the list of candidates, E. Leo Milonas, chair of the Commission on Judicial Nomination, called them exceptional and said they “demonstrate the strength and depth of the legal profession in New York State.”
The commission interviewed 25 of the 54 candidates who applied. Of those interviewed, 15 candidates were women and 12 were from an ethnic minority, according to the report presented to the governor.
Hochul is required to make a selection for chief judge from one of the seven candidates by April 23. The New York State Senate will then schedule confirmation hearings to take place within 30 days.
The chief judge vacancy follows the resignation of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore in August. She held the position for six years.
