New York State Bar Association Delivers Ratings of Candidates for Chief Judge to the Governor
4.4.2023
The New York State Bar Association delivered its ratings of the seven candidates under consideration to be the state’s chief judge to Gov. Kathy Hochul today.
The seven candidates were selected by the Commission on Judicial Nomination to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore.
The New York State Bar Association ratings are:
| Candidate | Rating |
| Acting Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Anthony Cannataro | “Qualified” |
| Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Third Department Elizabeth A. Garry | “Well Qualified” |
| Caitlin Halligan, Partner, Selendy Gay Elsberg | “Well Qualified” |
| Corey L. Stoughton, attorney-in-charge, The Legal Aid Society | “Qualified” |
| Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Shirley Troutman | “Well Qualified” |
| Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, Gerald J. Whalen | “Well Qualified” |
| Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Rowan D. Wilson | “Well Qualified” |
The New York State Bar Association 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, and interviews were conducted.
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.
The governor is required to select one of the candidates by April 23. The nominee must be confirmed by the state Senate within 30 days.
The chief judge of the Court of Appeals oversees the work of the state’s Unified Court System and its more than 16,000 employees and an annual budget of $3 billion.
The New York State Bar Association 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.
