We are thrilled to announce that Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson has appointed Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Doris M. Gonzalez and Onondaga County Supreme Court Justice Joseph E. Lamendola as Judicial Co-Chairs of the Statewide Advisory Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution. This committee, comprising esteemed judges, court staff, lawyers, ADR practitioners, and academics, is dedicated to enhancing ADR services across New York’s court system. Together with Committee Chair John S. Kiernan, retired litigation partner at Debevoise & Plimpton LLC, Justices Gonzalez and Lamendola will lead efforts to study and improve mediation, arbitration, and other alternative ways to resolve conflicts and disputes peacefully.
In addition to these appointments, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas announced the adoption of Part 160 of the Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge, aimed at improving access to alternatives to litigation in civil and family matters. These rules emphasize early referral to ADR processes, screening for intimate partner violence, and confidentiality of court-referred ADR.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Justice Gonzalez and Justice Lamendola on their well-deserved appointments. Their dedication to promoting effective conflict resolution strategies and advocating for fairness and justice will undoubtedly make a significant impact. We also express our gratitude to Chief Judge Wilson, Chief Administrative Judge Zayas, and all those involved in recommending these esteemed judges for their new roles.
These appointments and rule changes signify an important step forward in formalizing court-sponsored ADR services, ensuring best practices, and effectively addressing the court system’s local needs.
For more information, you can read the News Release here.