NYSBA President Calls the Selection of Justice Joseph Zayas as Chief Administrative Judge the Perfect Choice for New York
5.18.2023
Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Chief Judge Rowan Wilson’s selection of Joseph Zayas, associate justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, as chief administrative judge:
“Judge Joseph Zayas’ appointment to be New York’s next chief administrative judge is historic. He is the first Latino judge to serve in that capacity in this state. His Puerto Rican heritage and his upbringing in a public housing project in West Harlem have prepared him to understand the needs of all New Yorkers, particularly those who struggle to access the justice system. His experiences have given him a unique understanding of the challenges facing those who are underprivileged, and he has committed his career to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
“Judge Zayas is smart and benevolent and has a wealth of experience as an Appellate Division judge, an administrative judge in Supreme Court in Queens County, a Criminal Court judge and a Court of Claims judge. He’s a dynamic public speaker who will proudly represent New York and its court system wherever he should travel. We congratulate Judge Zayas on his well-deserved appointment.”
