NYSBA President Praises Justice Hector D. LaSalle’s Selection as Chief Judge and the Choice of Edwina Richardson-Mendelson as Chief Administrative Judge
12.22.2022
Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nomination of Justice Hector D. LaSalle as chief judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York. She also praised Justice LaSalle for his intention to appoint Judge Edwina Richardson-Mendelson as chief administrative judge.
“In his time as presiding justice of the 2nd Department, Justice LaSalle has demonstrated a keen ability to build consensus and to increase productivity substantially in one of the busiest appellate courts in the nation. There is no doubt that he will do the same for the Court of Appeals. He possesses a remarkable intellect and has deep practical knowledge of the courts and the challenges they face. He has a great deal of experience on both the trial and appellate bench and has granular knowledge of both the adjudicative and administrative aspects of the job of chief judge. I commend the governor on this outstanding choice.”
“Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina Richardson-Mendelson has devoted her life and career to access to justice. Her passion for the law and its promise are powerful. She is an active listener with a demonstrated ability to build consensus across ideological lines. She brings a vision to lead development of the law at both the state and national levels, and to enhance justice for all. She has an effervescent personality, enormous energy, and will be an excellent ambassador for New York’s bench and bar.”
