Reappoints Pfau Chief Judge Streamlines Courts' Administration

ANN PFAU: Responsibilities broadened.

Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, who was known for his management acumen as the state's Chief Administrative Judge, recently announced the streamlining of the upper tier of the court structure as his first major change to the system since he took over its leadership in February.

The number of Deputy Chief Administrative Judges has been reduced from five to two—one for New York City courts and one for those outside the city. Each Deputy Chief Administrative Judge will oversee the day-today management of the trial courts.

Faith in Pfau

Mr. Lippman reappointed Chief Administrative Judge Ann Pfau, whom Court Officers Association President Dennis Quirk called "tough but at the same time fair."

Mr. Lippman said, "It is vitally important to me, and to Judge Pfau, that we have an administrative structure in place that is focused on the judges in the trial courts and works well for the Administrative Judges of our districts and courts. At a time when judges are facing growing caseloads with limited resources, we need to support the operational needs of the trial courts. Streamlining our organizational structure will help us achieve these goals."

JONATHAN LIPPMAN: Remaking courts' management.

Judge Fern Fisher will succeed Judge Joan B. Carey as the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for city courts. Judge Carey will continue as Administrative Judge for the Civil Branch of Manhattan Supreme Court until her mandatory retirement at the end of the year. Judge Fisher has served as the Administrative Judge of New York City Civil Court since 1997, where she oversaw housing and civil court for all five boroughs.

'A Beacon of Strength'

"I want to thank Judge Carey for her many years of outstanding service," Mr. Lippman said. "Throughout more than a decade of constant challenges and change, she was a beacon of strength for the city's courts, including after the 9/11 attacks."

Mr. Quirk was supportive of all of Mr. Lippman's selections. "They are all people that are very pro- the system and very pro-employee," he said, before adding that the changes would not necessarily affect rank-and-file Court Officers.

He had also backed Governor Paterson's selection of Mr. Lippman as Chief Judge. "This is no one who knows the system better," Mr. Quirk said. "He's fair. That's the only thing you can ask for in a boss."

Judge Lippman also announced the appointment of Juanita Bing Newton as the Dean of the New York State Judicial Institute, the court system's center for judicial training, research and innovation. She previously was Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of Justice Initiatives and the Administrative Judge of the New York City Criminal Court. Judge Newton will oversee the education and training of all New York state judges, including town and village justices. She succeeds Robert G.M. Keating, who left for Pace University.

Kluger's New Role

Judge Judy Harris Kluger, who will head the new Office of Policy and Planning, will work with judges throughout the state to study and develop strategies to improve the delivery of justice in New York, including providing training and support for Problem-Solving Courts. The day-today operation of these courts will now be under the direct supervision of the Administrative Judges in each district.

"It is clear to me from her demonstrated success in working with judges and other system participants to improve the judicial process that she is exactly the right person to take on these new responsibilities as Chief of Policy and Planning for the State Courts," Mr. Lippman stated.

The new appointments take effect immediately.