NY(Washington Insider Magazine) -If confirmed in the state Legislature, the jurist would be the first Latino to hold this high position in New York.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that she has selected Justice Hector D. LaSalle as the next Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court Court of Appeals.
“The New York Court of Appeals has a long history as a model of justice, and Judge LaSalle is a leading jurist in that tradition. He has the skills, experience and intellect to ensure our supreme court is seen as a leader across the country,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
If confirmed in the state Legislature, the jurist would be the first Latino to hold this high position in New York.
“Justice LaSalle has an excellent reputation as a consensus builder, and I know he can unite the court in the service of justice. He has effectively led the largest state court of appeals in the country… Our state courts are more important now than ever when it comes to protecting our rights and upholding New York’s values, and I know Judge LaSalle will guide the court in making precisely that,” Hochul insisted.
As chief judge, Justice LaSalle, of Puerto Rican roots, would lead New York’s supreme court and oversee the state’s entire judiciary.
Upon learning that he was selected, Judge LaSalle said, “I am honored by Governor Hochul’s nomination and thank her for this tremendous honor. I am committed to leading the Court with integrity and fairness, upholding justice and protecting the rights of New Yorkers,” Judge LaSalle said.
The Puerto Rican magistrate announced that if he is confirmed in office, he plans to appoint the Honorable Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson to serve as Chief Administrative Judge. “It would be an honor to work with her to keep our courts running as efficiently and effectively as possible for the well-being of all New Yorkers.”
The reactions to the nomination of the Honorable LaSalle were immediate.
Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat said on his Twitter account: “This is a great feat for Latinos and our state of New York, which is stronger thanks to the diverse voices of leadership.”
For her part, State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz expressed on networks: “Thank you @GovKathyHochul
for the historic nomination of Judge Héctor LaSalle as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. I wish Judge LaSalle every success in leading him through complex legal and political times.”
In previous days, several bar associations had publicly expressed their support for LaSalle as a strong candidate for the position.
However, voices from the progressive wing have also emerged expressing reservations about the nomination.
“It is inevitable to feel proud when seeing the possibility of a Latino being elevated to the highest court in the state of New York. As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, however, I remain concerned by some troubling decisions regarding workers and their right to organize,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos.
Added Ramos: “With the House of Representatives (at the federal level) poised to shift to Republican control, we need a strong Court of Appeals to uphold the progress we’ve made in New York State. I will continue to consult with my constituents and stakeholders before making a final decision.”
Confirmation hearings are expected to take place in the next legislative session, which starts in January 2023.
Biographical Data And Trajectory
Judge Hector D. LaSalle, is 54 years old and was born in East Northport, Long Island.
He was appointed Associate Justice in the Appellate Division, Second Department in 2014 and Presiding Judge in the Appellate Division, 2nd Department in 2021.
He was elected a New York State Supreme Court Justice in 2008.
Previously, he was an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1998 and from 2002 to 2008 when he was Senior Gang Combat Prosecutor and Deputy Director of the Office of Special Investigations.
He was an assistant attorney general assigned to the medical malpractice section of the claims office in the New York State Attorney General’s Office from 1999 to 2002.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1990 and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1993.
He was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1994.
This article is written by EI Diario.