Harlem Defender Becomes First Black Chief Judge of New York

HARLEM, NY — A former Harlem public defender has become the first Black chief judge of New York's highest court, lawmakers announced Tuesday.

The state Senate confirmed Judge Rowan Wilson, former chairman of Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, as the Court of Appeals' new chief judge in a vote of 40-19 in favor.

"Judge Rowan Wilson is a highly qualified jurist with a keen sense of fairness and a deep commitment to justice," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.

"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."

Wilson, 62, claims the seat Gov. Kathy Hochul first intended for Hector LaSalle, the first nominee ever to be rejected by the state Senate.

The new chief judge served 25+ years as a partner with the international law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore and about six years as an associate judge in the Court of Appeals.

Wilson also earned accolades from the Neighborhood Defender Service, who honored him (in a ceremony that also awarded Cardi B) for 21 years serving as its chair.

“NDS emerged into something far greater than a demonstration project," Wilson said of his tenure. "What it is really about is NDS giving its clients everything they need to find solutions.”

Wilson's appointment was celebrated by the Legal Aid Society who championed this move toward diversifying the court system.

“Judge Wilson is thoughtful and intelligent," the public defenders group said. "We celebrate the new and long overdue perspective he will bring to the position of Chief Judge.”

It was less welcome to a group of sexual assault survivors who raised concerns about Wilson's recent decision to overturn a rape conviction after a stalled investigation in upstate New York, the Daily News reports.

“We are appalled by this decision to release a convicted rapist," the survivors reportedly wrote in a letter to Hochul. "It was the victim, not the rapist, who suffered from the prosecution’s delay.”

Nor was it celebrated by Republican lawmakers who reportedly called Wilson an “activist judge,” the News reported.

Wilson himself has called the appointment the honor of his career.

"I am humbled by this nomination," Wilson said. "Protecting the rights of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and our partners throughout the judiciary system to manage our courts and deliver justice."