Demystifying the Process: The Road to the Court of Appeals

Demystifying the Process: The Road to the Court of Appeals

11.16.2020

By Brandon Vogel

In an effort to demystify the selection process for judges of the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, the Commission on Judicial Nomination will host a virtual informational meeting from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. The event will be hosted by the New York State Bar Association.

Judge Leslie E. Stein of Albany is retiring from the Court of Appeals effective June 4, 2021. Under the state constitution, the Commission on Judicial Nomination is responsible for evaluating and recommending to the governor candidates to fill vacancies on the Court of Appeals. To be considered, lawyers must have been admitted to practice  in New York for at least a decade ago.

At the information meeting on the commission’s procedures and rules for submitting recommendations, association members are encouraged to express their views (orally or in writing) about community needs, the general qualifications for judicial office and the nominating process.

E. Leo Milonas, chair of the commission, will host the informational meeting on Nov. 20. He will discuss the process of applying to join the Court of Appeals with former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman and former Associate Judges Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick and Howard A. Levine.

Other scheduled speakers and panelists include:

• Scott M. Karson, president, New York State Bar Association
• John A. Cirando, commissioner, Commission on Judicial Nomination
• Henry M. Greenberg, counsel, Commission on Judicial Nomination and Immediate Past President, New  York State Bar Association

The meeting is open to the public, but preregistration is required.