STATEMENT ON THE SENATE CONFIRMATION OF JANET DIFIORE AS CHIEF JUDGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY, NY (01/21/2016)(readMedia)-- New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda today issued the following statement:

"We commend the state Senate for voting to confirm Janet DiFiore as chief judge of the State of New York.

"Ms. DiFiore's breadth of experience, intellect and collegiality will serve her well as she leads the Court of Appeals. As both a judge and a prosecutor, she has demonstrated her commitment to justice and fairness in the courtroom.

"She also recognizes that achieving justice in the courtroom may require innovative approaches, such as when she created a Multi-disciplinary Team for Elder Abuse in Westchester County. Or it may require changes in state law. She has actively served on commissions calling for wrongful conviction reform, raising the age of criminal responsibility and other justice measures.

"We applaud Governor Cuomo for nominating her and other superb jurists to our state's highest 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.