FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 10, 2023 – Today New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced two nominations to the New York State Court of Appeals. Associate Judge Rowan Wilson has been nominated for a promotion to Chief Judge, and Caitlin Halligan will then be nominated to succeed him as Associate Judge. These nominations followed the failed nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle, who the New York Senate rejected for his conservative record.
Judge Wilson has an incredibly strong record of supporting equal rights for all and should be quickly confirmed. Ms. Halligan’s record as an attorney is mixed, though without the significant concerns that LaSalle’s nomination raised. She should be thoroughly vetted through the hearing process to scrutinize her record properly before confirming her.
Jake Faleschini, AFJ Action Legal Director for State Courts, issued the following statement:
“It’s encouraging to see New York’s highest court finally moving in the correct direction. This is an important opportunity for judges with a clear record of upholding equal justice to have a majority on the New York Court of Appeals. Certainly, Judge Wilson’s leadership will be a boon for the court. We look forward to learning more about Ms. Halligan’s record, but we are hopeful that it doesn’t contain the same pitfalls that required our opposition to Hector LaSalle.”
