ALBANY, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday nominated Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore to be New York’s chief judge, responsible for administering the state court system and presiding at the Court of Appeals, its top court.
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The nomination marks the second time that Cuomo has tabbed DiFiore for a key state post. Early in her first term, DiFiore also designed and launched the Westchester Intelligence Center, which helps coordinate resources and information sharing among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
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DiFiore has been the county’s District Attorney for 10 years, but also has extensive experience as a prosecutor and judge, which the governor believes will serve her well, if confirmed to her new role.
“I am humbled by the incredible honor”, DiFiore said in a statement. Prior to that, she spent six years as a judge, including as a Supreme Court Justice for the New York State Criminal Courts, 9th Judicial District from January 2003 to May 2005.
This unique combination of an innovative approach to the issues confronting the state’s courts, deep administrative experience, a stellar track record as a judge, and direct experience working with other agencies of the justice system have prepared Janet DiFiore for this new chapter of a life of distinguished public service.
If confirmed, DiFiore’s addition will create a majority of women on the state’s highest court. “She’s been one of the leading district attorneys looking at wrongful convictions and trying to make sure they don’t happen”. DiFiore served as the chairwoman of the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics during its sometimes rocky first 16 months of operation in 2012 and 2013. She received her B.A. from C.W. Post College, Long Island University and a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.
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Current Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman turned 70 in May, which according to the state constitution means he must retire by the end of the year. She will join Sheila Abdus-Salaam, Jenny Rivera and Leslie Stein, as well as Eugene Pigott and Eugene Fahey.
