LeGaL Applauds the Historic Appointment of Openly Lesbian Justice Elizabeth Garry as Presiding Justice of the Third Department

Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo made judicial history by appointing Justice Elizabeth A. Garry as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department.

Justice Garry, who is openly lesbian, has a long and highly distinguished career as a jurist. With this historic appointment, Justice Garry will become the first openly LGBT person to serve as Presiding Justice in any Appellate Division Department of New York.

Today, Governor Cuomo has once again demonstrated his firm commitment to moving the LGBT community even further along the path to full opportunity and inclusion in New York. It is more important than ever that New York’s courts, particularly at the very highest levels, reflect the rich diversity of our state. Justice Garry will continue to serve with integrity and skill, and she will bring a unique perspective and experience to the role of Presiding Justice.

“I am so greatly honored by this appointment. I will strive to serve this Court I love, and the people of our State, with the support of my friends and colleagues in the bench and Bar. I look forward to the opportunities ahead, working with our Chief Judge, taking on new and challenging duties, and bringing the great traditions of my Court forward!”

— Justice Elizabeth Garry

The appointment of Justice Garry as Presiding Justice follows on the heels of Judge Paul Feinman’s historic confirmation as the first openly gay judge on the New York Court of Appeals — the state’s highest court. Judge Fienman served as a former president of LeGaL.

“It has been my pleasure to get to know Justice Garry while working together in the Association of Supreme Court Justices of the State of New York, the Richard C. Failla LGBT Commission, and the International Association of LGBT Judges.”

— Judge Paul Feinman

Justice Garry succeeds Hon. Karen Peters, the first woman to be appointed to be Presiding Justice of the Third Department.

“I am thrilled that Governor Andrew Cuomo has appointed Elizabeth Garry to succeed me. A brilliant scholar, experienced trial judge and litigator, Justice Garry brings a wealth of experience to the position. Her appointment as the first openly LGBTQ Presiding Justice in New York is truly a great moment in history!”

— Hon. Karen Peters

Congratulations, Justice Garry! What a great way to begin 2018 in New York.