Hochul hails confirmation of Judge Rowan Wilson as NY’s first Black chief justice

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday welcomed New York State Senate’s confirmation of Judge Rowan Wilson as New York’s first Black chief justice, saying he is “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.

Before joining the court, she said Judge Wilson had a distinguished career as a commercial litigator and became the first Black partner at the prestigious firm Cravath, Swaine and Moore.

“I am confident that he will use this experience and his fair-minded approach that has guided his time on the Court of Appeals while serving as chief judge,” Hochul said. “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.,” she added. “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.”

Last week, the Brooklyn Democratic Party welcomed and celebrated Hochul’s “historic and astute nomination” of Wilson as New York’s chief judge.

Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said she and Assemblymember/District Leader Nikki Lucas had a “productive meeting” with Judge Wilson last week “that further reaffirmed his ability to be an outstanding chief judge who can bring innovative leadership to the system while maintaining judicial values that benefit all New Yorkers.”

“Hon. Wilson is a highly accomplished and pioneering judge who reflects and understands the wonderful diversity of our State, while providing a crucial perspective with decades of prestigious experience in the private and public sector,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.

“Judge Wilson has a longstanding track record of fair, prudent and impartial judicial rulings in the Appellate Court that have uplifted New Yorkers while upholding our Democratic values,” she added. “And he is well-suited to lead our state’s highest court system.

“With decisions being made by federal courts on vital issues including abortion, gun rights and others affecting our most vulnerable communities, the importance of having the right chief judge in New York cannot be overstated enough,” Bichotte Hermelyn continued. “This is a historic and well-deserved nomination for a trailblazer, dedicated public servant, and champion for justice.”

According to the Court of Appeals of the State of New York, New York’s highest court, Judge Wilson was born in Pomona, CA in 1960, and grew up in Berkeley, CA.

He received his A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1981, and his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1984.

The Court of Appeals said Chief Judge Wilson was admitted to the bar of the State of California in 1985, and the bar of the State of New York in 1987.

From 1984 to 1986, he served as a judicial law clerk to James R. Browning, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, CA.

In 1986, he joined the firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City as an associate, and was elected to partnership there in 1991, in which position he continued until February 2017, the New York Court of Appeals said.

On Jan. 15, 2017, it said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo nominated Judge Wilson to serve as an associate judge of the Court of Appeals, and the New York State Senate confirmed his nomination on February 6, 2017.

While in private practice, Judge Wilson served on the boards of several charitable and not-for-profit organizations and handled numerous pro bono matters, the New York State Court of Appeals said.

Chief Judge Wilson resides with his wife and children in New York City.