The Dominican Bar Association Calls on the New York State Senate to Provide the Honorable Hector D. LaSalle, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department with a Full and Fair Confirmation Hearing on the Merits

The DBA is an organization of legal professionals and law students, which supports Latinx members of the legal profession, particularly attorneys and law students, in their pursuit of higher posts in the legal profession and other facets of influence in the United States. Since its founding in 1990, and as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, the DBA has promoted the principles of diversity and due process in the legal profession.

The DBA continues to support New York State Governor Kathy Hochuls’ nomination for New York State Court of Appeals Chief Judge, Second Department Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle. If confirmed, Judge LaSalle, would become the first Latino to serve as Chief Judge of New York’s highest court. This historic nomination marks a significant step towards creating a more equitable and representative justice system in New York.

The DBA is deeply concerned with the precipitous opposition to Judge LaSalles’ confirmation. The New York State Senate confirmation hearing process is an imperative component of the New York Court of Appeals selection process. As mandated by the New York State Constitution, New York Senators must thoroughly examine a judicial nominee’s qualifications and full record on the merits. Failure to provide a judicial nominee with a full and fair hearing is complete and unequivocal departure from New York’s longstanding and established confirmation process. The DBA strongly urges members of the New York State Senate to exercise their constitutional obligation and provide Judge LaSalle with a full and fair hearing on the merits.

For more information, please contact the Dominican Bar Association at dominicanbarassoc@gmail.com.

The full press release may be downloaded HERE