NYSBA President Sends Governor Hochul Ratings of Candidates for Court of Appeals Vacancy
11.10.2021
The New York State Bar Association has determined that four candidates under consideration by Governor Kathy Hochul for elevation to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, are well-qualified.
The ratings were conveyed to the governor in a letter from NYSBA President T. Andrew Brown that was delivered today to her office. The candidates were selected by the Commission on Judicial Nomination to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Hon. Eugene M. Fahey.
Under law, the governor must make her choice between Nov. 15 and Dec. 1, and the nominee must be confirmed or rejected by the state Senate within 30 days.
The New York State Bar Association ratings are:
| Candidate | Rating |
| Hon. Francesca E. Connelly | “Qualified” |
| Timothy P. Murphy, Esq. | “Well Qualified” |
| Hon. Erin M. Peradotto | “Well Qualified” |
| Hon. Stan L. Pritzker | “Well Qualified” |
| Corey L. Stoughton, Esq. | “Qualified” |
| Hon. Shirley Troutman | “Well Qualified” |
| Hon. Joanne M. Winslow | “ Qualified” |
NYSBA considered professional ability, experience, character, temperament, and other qualities in arriving at a determination for each candidate. Each candidate’s qualifications and background were thoroughly examined. Personal interviews were conducted, and each candidate was rated as well qualified, qualified, or not qualified.
According to the association’s guidelines, qualified applies to candidates who have demonstrated the necessary qualifications for the office while well qualified is for those who possess pre-eminent qualifications.
NYSBA has evaluated candidates for the Court of Appeals since 1967. The Commission on Judicial Nomination was created in 1978 to evaluate and recommend candidates for appointment to the high court.
About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.
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