NYSBA Delivers Ratings of Candidates for Chief Judge to the Governor

NYSBA Delivers Ratings of Candidates for Chief Judge to the Governor

12.7.2022

By Jennifer Andrus

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
Hon. Anthony Cannataro	“Qualified”
Abbe R. Gluck, Esq.	“Well Qualified”
Hon. Hector D. LaSalle	“Well Qualified”
Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing	“Qualified”
Alicia Ouellette, Esq.	“Qualified”
Hon. Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson	“Well Qualified”
Corey L. Stoughton, Esq.	“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 Dec. 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 $2 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.

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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