On Friday, August 13, 2021, the Chief Defenders Association of New York (CDANY), the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL), and the New York State Defenders Association (NYSDA) sent a letter to the Commission on Judicial Nomination regarding the slate of nominees for the Judge Eugene M. Fahey vacancy.

In the letter, CDANY, NYSACDL and NYSDA asked the Commission to exercise its authority to ensure that the slate of nominees it proposes is comprised of persons who will bring a much needed perspective to the Court of Appeals – attorneys with criminal defense experience who have demonstrated commitment to historically disenfranchised and impacted communities of color and a deep understanding of the systemic disparities that have long plagued poor people ensnared in the criminal legal system.

The letter was jointly signed by CDANY President Leanne Lapp, NYSACDL President Alice Fontier and NYSDA Executive Director Susan Bryant. 

Please Click Here To Read The Letter (PDF)