Letter to Gov. Hochul on 1AD Reappointment

Letter to Gov. Hochul on 1AD Reappointment

September 7, 2021

Honorable Kathy Hochul

Office of the Governor

New York State Capitol Albany,

NY 12224

Dear Governor Hochul,

We write as the Co-Chairs of the Supreme Court Committee of the New York County Lawyers Association to reiterate the comments of the Honorable Rolando T. Acosta, set forth in his August 24, 2021 New York Law Journal article, that:

We are currently awaiting the Governor’s redesignation to the First

Department of Justices David Friedman and Ellen Gesmer, both of

whom have been certificated by the Administrative Board.

As members of the Bar, we are all waiting for Justices David Friedman and Ellen Gesmer to be redesignated to their seats on the First Department.

Prompt appointment of Justices to fill the existing vacancies in the Appellate Division is always of critical importance to the reputation and efficiency of the State’s judiciary. And we believe that it is in the State’s best interest to move forward with the reappointment of Justice Friedman and Justice Gesmer to the First Department as soon as possible. These previously- serving Justices are ready, willing and able to retake their previous places on the Appellate Division. Returning them to their positions would be a great benefit to the judiciary, and to the citizens of New York who rely on our court system.

We thank you for your attention to this matter.

Respectfully Submitted,

Russell D. Morris and Alyssa Goldrich

cc. Elizabeth Fine, Esq.

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Footnotes

1.  The New York County Lawyers Association was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence, including through the work of its many committees that provide in-depth analysis and insight into legal practice areas. The views expressed here, have not been approved by the New York County Lawyers Association Board of Directors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Board.