Carter Ledyard partner Alan Lewis, as Chair of the Judicial Screening Committee of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL), vetted the seven candidates eligible for appointment as the next Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. Under Alan’s leadership, the Screening Committee conducted a thorough review of the seven nominees for the Chief Judge position, including personal interviews and a review of written materials submitted by the nominees to the Commission on Judicial Nomination.
At the conclusion of that process, Alan conveyed NYSACDL’s recommendation to Governor Hochul that she elevate the Hon. Rowan Wilson, who currently serves as an Associate Judge of the Court. NYSACDL also conveyed high praise for a second candidate, Corey L. Stoughton. Ms. Stoughton is a former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and currently serves as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Special Litigation Unit at New York’s Legal Aid Society. In conveying its recommendations to Governor Hochul, NYSACDL gave its highest ranking, “Superior,” to both Judge Wilson and to Ms. Stoughton, emphasizing that through this appointment the Governor may advance the goal of assuring that the New York Court of Appeals maintains its historic role as the most respected and influential of the nation’s state high courts.
“Our Committee worked diligently before making its carefully considered recommendation to Governor Hochul. We focused on the attributes essential to the Chief Judge position, including judicial temperament, administrative skills, ability to analyze complex legal problems, integrity and leadership skills – all in the context of the Court of Appeals’ essential role in assuring fairness to New Yorkers accused of crimes,” Alan said.
Alan is Chair of the Firm’s White Collar and Criminal Defense practice and of the Firm’s First Amendment and Media Law practice.