On the Chief Judge Selection Process

In December, the New York City Bar Association rated Justice Hector LaSalle, and other candidates on the list of finalists put forth by the Commission on Judicial Nomination, well qualified to be Chief Judge of the State of New York. As is our custom, the City Bar has otherwise not commented on the selection process and ensuing events. In light of the issues now being raised and publicly debated – including whether the state constitutional processes and requirements for nominating and confirming judges for the Court of Appeals could be improved — the City Bar will undertake to examine those aspects of the process essential to ensuring the quality and independence of our state judiciary and maintaining the public’s trust.