Publication: Judicial Dispatch

Updates on the Court Modernization Action Committee (CMAC) and the Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts

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Honorable Patria Frias-Colón is currently assigned to the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. She is Co-Chair of the Court Modernization Action Committee and a member of the Court’s Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts. Court Modernization Action Committee (CMAC) The CMAC is a working group of stakeholders from both inside and outside … Continued

Section Members and Member Associations at Work…and Play

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On September 4-6, 2024, the Surrogates Association held its educational seminar in Lake George, NY. Here, the Association’s president, Hon. Vincent Versaci, Surrogate, Schenectady County, addresses the audience. CLE Program – “How to Avoid Reversals: Practical Tips from Justices of the Appellate Divisions” (l-r): Hon. Donald A. Greenwood (AD4); Hon. Tracey A. Bannister (AD4); Hon. Eddie J. McShan (AD3); Hon Lourdes M. Ventura (AD2); Hon. … Continued

Presiding Member’s Message

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Dear Judicial Section Members, Congratulations to our newly elected and appointed judges and those elevated to higher judicial positions. For new judges, we are proud to welcome our newest colleagues to our distinguished ranks. I am thrilled to report that our Section concluded 2024 on a high note by hosting two virtual CLE programs that … Continued

Judicial Section Member Highlights

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Congratulations to Hon. Hector D. LaSalle, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department, who was honored by the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association at their Hispanic Heritage Month event on October 1, 2024. Presiding Justice Hon. Hector D. LaSalle gives remarks at the BWBA Hispanic Heritage Month event on October 1, 2024 Congratulations to Hon. Hector D. LaSalle, Presiding Justice, Appellate … Continued

Judicial Section Reception & Luncheon 2025 – A Recap

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Judicial Section Presiding Member Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy welcomed everyone to the Section’s Centennial Celebration, which took place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the New York Hilton Midtown. Attended by more than 290 individuals, this Reception & Luncheon was the perfect opportunity to reflect on the Section’s history, celebrate its leaders, and renew its … Continued

Judicial Appointments

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Appellate Term Hon. Joseph R. Conway Congratulations to Hon. Joseph R. Conway, who was appointed to the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, Second Department, Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts on October 1, 2024. Administrative Judge and Statewide Judicial Appointments Hon. Suzanne J. Adams Administrative Judge, New York County Supreme Court – Civil Term Congratulations to Hon. … Continued

Celebrating 40 Years of Judicial Excellence: The Latino Judges Association

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Honorable Javier E. Vargas is a Judge of the Court of Claims and serves as Treasurer of the Latino Judges Association and as Secretary to the Judicial Division of the Hispanic National Bar Association. In 2025, the Latino Judges Association (LJA) proudly commemorates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of unwavering commitment to progress, advocacy and representation … Continued

Trailblazer Judge Rosalyn Richter Honored in New York

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On Monday, June 17, 2024, the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York Courts hosted an amazing event to recognize former Associate Justice Rosalyn H. Richter for her work in strengthening diversity and inclusion at its Third Annual Judge Paul G. Feinman Award Ceremony. The ceremony took place at the ornate courthouse of … Continued

PRESIDING MEMBER’S MESSAGE

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Dear Judicial Section Members, I salute my friend and colleague, Past Presiding Member, Hon. Gregory R. Gilbert, on a successful term. I am grateful for his support and words of encouragement as he passes the leadership baton to me. I am honored to serve as your Presiding Member. As Judicial Section Members, each of you … Continued

New York’s Judicial Adjuncts: The Hear and Report and the Hear and Determine

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Justice Lebovits is an acting Supreme Court justice in New York County. Rachel E. Miller is Justice Lebovits’s assistant court attorney. Mark H. Shawhan is Justice Lebovits’s principal court attorney. The New York courts’ experienced and highly qualified judicial adjuncts—court–attorney referees, special referees, support magistrates, judicial hearing officers, and private/special masters—serve an essential function in … Continued