NEW YORK STATE BAR PRESIDENT SENDS GOVERNOR CUOMO RATINGS OF CANDIDATES FOR COURT OF APPEALS VACANCY

ALBANY, NY (12/16/2016)(readMedia)-- New York State Bar Association President Claire P. Gutekunst today sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo with the Association's ratings for the seven candidates under consideration for associate judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.

The Governor must designate his choice between January 1 and 15, 2017. The nominee then must be confirmed by the state Senate.

To assist with the appointment process, the State Bar reviews the qualifications of candidates nominated by the state Commission on Judicial Nomination. Its ratings are as follows:

Eric O. Corngold, Esq., "Well Qualified"

Hon. Judith J. Gische, "Well Qualified"

Caitlin J. Halligan, Esq.,. "Well Qualified"

Hon. Erin M. Peradotto, "Well Qualified"

Benjamin E. Rosenberg, Esq., "Well Qualified"

Robert A. Spolzino, Esq., "Qualified"

Rowan D. Wilson, Esq., "Well Qualified"

The State Bar 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. Personal interviews were conducted and each candidate was rated as "Well Qualified," "Qualified," or "Not Qualified."

According to State Bar 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 December 16, 2016 letter from Gutekunst can be viewed at www.nysba.org/Dec2016COARatings.

The 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.

The 74,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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