New York State Bar President Sends Governor Cuomo Ratings of Candidates for Court of Appeals Vacancy

ALBANY, NY (09/16/2014)(readMedia)-- New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee has 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 September 18 and October 3, 2014. 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:

Candidate Rating

Daniel S. Alter, Esq. Qualified

Preeta D. Bansal, Esq. Qualified

Hon. Eugene H. Fahey Well Qualified

Hon. Victoria A. Graffeo Well Qualified

Hon. Leslie E. Stein Well Qualified

Maria T. Vullo, Esq. Well 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 reserved for those who possess pre-eminent qualifications.

The September 16, 2014 letter from Lau-Kee can be viewed at www.nysba.org/Sept2014COARatings.

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 75,000-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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