NY’s Third Judicial District Names New Administrative Judge

NY’s Third Judicial District Names New Administrative Judge

10.27.2020

By Brandon Vogel

Hon. Gerald W. Connolly has been named administrative judge for the state’s Third Judicial District, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks announced today.

In his new role, Judge Connolly will oversee trial court operations within the district, which encompasses Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Judge Connolly’s appointment will take effect Nov. 2. He will succeed Hon. Thomas A. Breslin, who is retiring.

“A skilled jurist with extensive knowledge of the law and court operations, Judge Connolly possesses the vision, problem-solving abilities and adaptability to effectively lead the district in this time of unprecedented challenges and rapidly evolving changes,” said Judge Marks. “I look forward to working with him as we continue to seek innovative solutions in addressing the difficulties posed by Covid-19, setting and achieving goals to meet the justice needs of those served by the Third Judicial District while protecting the health and safety of those who work in and use the district’s trial courts.”

Judge Connolly was appointed to the Court of Claims in 2007 and designated an acting Supreme Court justice, handling a range of cases, including medical malpractice, personal injury, election law and matrimonial, criminal and guardianship matters. He was reappointed to the Court of Claims in 2014. He has on occasion served as the Third Judicial District’s acting administrative judge, issuing administrative orders, participating on interview panels and carrying out other administrative duties. Since 2016, he has presided over Albany County’s felony drug court.

Prior to becoming a judge, he served as senior assistant counsel under former Governor George Pataki. Previously, he was a deputy inspector general for the New York State Office of the Inspector General and before that served as an assistant attorney general in the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s Litigation Bureau. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County. He is a Fordham University School of Law graduate.