Chief Judge Says the Court of Appeals Has Made Progress on his Promise To Take on More Cases and Make Faster Decisions
1.15.2026
One of the early goals of Chief Judge Rowan Wilson when he took over the state’s highest court was to expand the docket and make quicker decisions.
The chief judge spoke about his success doing that at a dinner hosted by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction. The annual dinner occurs during the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City.
Last year saw an increase in the number of civil and criminal cases heard by the Court of Appeals.
“In 2025, for first time since 2013, a grant of leave in a case came in less than twelve months. It’s a major accomplishment,” he said. “We are getting to things faster but there is still work to be done.”
The chief judge went on to describe a recent Family Court case heard by the high court. The case started shortly after the child’s birth but by the time the case reached the Court of Appeals, the child was 11. The crowd let out an audible gasp to which the chief judge replied, “The delay makes things tough. We need to make sure we don’t have that kind of delay.”
Amicus Briefs
In 2023, Wilson encouraged appellate lawyers, public interest groups and others to submit amicus briefs on issues coming before the court. Wilson was pleased to report that more amicus briefs are being filed in both civil and criminal cases, giving the court valuable information prior to oral arguments.
In November, the court amended the rule of practice setting time and length requirements for filing amicus briefs. The amendment also discourages lawmakers from filing briefs that explain the intent of a law, which is already public. The chief judge says he’s seen a marked increase in amicus briefs since the rule change.
In addition to speeding up the pace of cases, Judge Wilson said he is committed to expanding the field of lawyers who practice appellate law. He encouraged attorneys to involve younger associates in their appellate work.
“Criminal lawyers who come before the Court of Appeals are younger. To the extent you can, we look favorably on bringing younger lawyers with you when you are arguing any case before the Court of Appeals,” he said.
The Chief Judge’s remarks were followed by awards are presented by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction to six retiring Justices of the Appellate Divison:
Justice Jeffrey K. Oing, Appellate Division, First Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2017 following a long career in state Supreme Court and New York County Civil Court. Justice Oing was born in Hong Kong and raised in East Harlem.
Justice Anil C. Singh, Appellate Division, First Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2017 following years as an elected state Supreme Court judge and Civil Court judge in New York City. Justice Singh served as a presiding justice in the Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement Part. He is a native of India.
Justice Joseph J. Maltese, Appellate Division, Second Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2014 following 18 years as a trial judge in New York Supreme Court in Richmond and Kings counties. Before coming to the bench, he was in private practice for 15 years, focusing on civil and criminal litigation.
Justice Robert J. Miller, Appellate Division, Second Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2010 and has served on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct since 2018. In 2024, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Nassau County honored Justice Miller with the St. Thomas Moore award for his embodiment of the virtues of the Catholic faith in his professional and personal life.
Justice John C. Egan Jr., Appellate Division, Third Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2010 following five years as a Supreme Court justice in Albany County. Justice Egan was elected to the Albany City Court in 1996 following 15 years in private practice.
Justice Michael C. Lynch, Appellate Division, Third Department: He was appointed to the Appellate Division in 2014 following a career in public service as a State Supreme Court justice and the Albany County Attorney.
