Governor Kathy Hochul has announced six designations to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, for the First and Second Departments. According to New York’s Constitution, the Governor selects Justices of the Appellate Divisions from among elected Justices of the State Supreme Court. This group includes four appointments to the Appellate Division, First Department, and two appointments to the Second Department.
“These designations to the Appellate Division are part of my continued commitment to building a judiciary that embodies the highest standards of legal excellence and reflects the rich diversity of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Each of these jurists brings a wealth of experience and perspective that will strengthen our courts and help ensure that justice is served fairly and equitably across our state.”
The new Associate Justices in the First Department include Honorable Troy Webber and Honorable Saliann Scarpulla. Justice Webber began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County before holding several judicial positions including Acting Surrogate in New York County. She is active in various professional associations and serves as Co-Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.
Justice Scarpulla is a graduate of Boston University and Brooklyn Law School who has worked in both private practice and public service, including at Proskauer Rose Goetz & Mendelsohn and as Senior Counsel at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. She has held multiple roles within New York’s court system since 1999, is a contributing author on commercial litigation topics, and participates actively in bar associations.
Additional Justices appointed to the First Department are Honorable Shlomo Hagler, currently Presiding Justice of the Appellate Term, First Department, known for his work protecting vulnerable individuals through innovative guardianship initiatives; and Honorable Margaret Anne Pui Yee Chan, who serves in New York County’s Commercial Division handling complex business disputes. Justice Chan was previously recognized as the first Asian immigrant woman elected judge in New York City.
For the Second Department, Honorable Elena Goldberg Velazquez joins after serving on appeals from various local courts since 2024. She has presided over civil hearings in Westchester County since her election to Supreme Court there in 2022. Justice Goldberg Velazquez has also been involved with community organizations such as founding her neighborhood association.
Honorable Susan Quirk also joins as an Additional Justice for the Second Department. Judge Quirk started her legal career working as a paralegal while attending Brooklyn Law School at night before becoming an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn. Since being elected to various judicial positions beginning in 2016, she has remained active within several legal organizations across New York City.
These appointments continue Governor Hochul’s stated aim to promote diversity within New York’s judiciary by drawing on candidates from varied backgrounds.
