Retired NY Chief Judge Praises Judge Nominated to Replace Her
The retired chief judge of New York’s highest court appears more pleased with the governor’s choice to replace her than the governor himself.
Judith Kaye told the New York Law Journal that she is “very, very pleased” and “very excited” about the nomination of Jonathan Lippman, an appeals judge who served as Kaye’s chief administrative judge from 1996 to 2007.
Kaye told the New York Times that Lippman has a “unique familiarity with the budget,” knowledge that will serve him well in the economic downturn. She also said Lippman was a “vital partner” in initiatives such as drug and domestic violence courts. Kaye was forced by mandatory retirement rules to step down last month at the age of 70.
Gov. David Paterson also praised Lippman but indicated his dissatisfaction with the nomination process in a statement on Tuesday, the Times story says. Paterson received a list of possible candidates for Kaye’s job that included only seven males.
“Though I am thrilled to choose Judge Lippman to serve as our next chief judge, I firmly believe that we must revise the process for future judicial nominations to ensure that those under consideration represent all New Yorkers,” Paterson said.
