Judge Rowan Wilson Becomes New Yorks First Black Chief Judge
NEW YORK, New York - Haitian-American legislator, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, has welcomed the confirmation of Judge Rowan Wilson by the State Senate to the position of Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York, New York’s highest court.
Judge Rowan Wilson“I ecstatically welcome Judge Rowan Wilson’s confirmation as New York’s first Black Chief Judge, and thank Govenor Kathy Hochul for her wise and history-making nomination,” Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
The New York State Assemblymember describes Judge Wilson as a selfless public servant, ardent advocate for democratic rights and a champion of justice.
“With state courts playing a crucial role in decisions affecting our fundamental rights, Chief Judge Wilson’s five-year track record of fair, prudent and progressive judicial rulings in cases as an associate judge is critical for a brighter future for Brooklyn, our state and our nation,” added the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.
She said her “productive meeting” with Judge Wilson last week “further affirmed my confidence that he will expertly lead our court system with fairness and equality, while safeguarding our rights.
“Judge Wilson has been a high-achieving pioneer his entire career, including becoming the first Black partner at the prestigious law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and his monumental confirmation as our first Black Chief Judge is a much-deserved step towards a diverse court system that reflects all New Yorkers,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has welcomed the State Senate’s confirmation saying he’s a highly qualified jurist with a keen sense of fairness and a deep commitment to justice.
“Throughout his tenure on the bench, he has proven himself to be a thoughtful leader who recognizes the power of the judiciary to impact the lives of all New Yorkers,” the Governor said.
“I am confident that he will use his experience and his fair-minded approach that has guided his time on the Court of Appeals while serving as chief judge. I proudly nominated Judge Wilson to serve as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, and I am pleased by his confirmation by the Senate.
“His confirmation also marks a significant milestone: the first Black Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. I congratulate Judge Wilson on his confirmation and look forward to working closely with him to elevate the esteem of our state’s highest court, protect New Yorkers’ rights and safety, and ensure that justice is administered,” the Governor added.
Judge Wilson, 63, was admitted to the bar of the State of California in 1985, and the bar of the State of New York in 1987.
On January 15, 2017, then New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo nominated Wilson to serve as an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, and the New York State Senate confirmed his nomination on Feb. 6, 2017.
