NYSBA Hosts Open Discussion on Court of Appeals Process Ahead of 2027 Vacancy
6.30.2026
The Commission on Judicial Nomination is hosting “The Road to the Court of Appeals: Demystifying the Process” to explain how judges are selected for New York’s highest court.
The term of Senior Associate Judge Jenny Rivera will expire on Feb. 10, 2027, creating a vacancy. The Commission on Judicial Nomination will recommend candidates for consideration to Governor Hochul.
The informational meeting is July 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the New York State Bar Association, 1 Elk St. in Albany and is open to the public in person and via Zoom. Preregistration is required for those participating virtually at https://nysba.org/the-road-to-the-court-of-appeals/.
Members of the Commission, led by Chair Elizabeth Fine, will discuss the requirements to be considered for the high court and the Commission’s procedure for submitting recommendations of qualified candidates.
The other speakers are:
- Howard Levine, former Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals.
- Leslie Stein former Associate Judge, New York State Court of Appeals.
- Michael Hutter, Commissioner, Commission on Judicial Nomination.
- Paul Samuels, Commissioner, Commission on Judicial Nomination.
- Lorraine Silverman, President, Albany County Bar Association.
- Henry Greenberg, Counsel, Commission on Judicial Nomination.
About the Judicial Nomination Commission
Under the Constitution of the State of New York, the Commission on Judicial Nomination has the responsibility to evaluate and recommend candidates to the Governor to fill any vacancies on the Court of Appeals. The Commission vigorously seeks well-qualified candidates from a diverse community of lawyers admitted to practice in New York State. You can learn more about the commission www.nysegov.com/cjn.
