Statement From Senator Adriano Espaillat on the Confirmation of Court of Appeals Judge Jenny Rivera

“I am proud that Professor Jenny Rivera has finally been confirmed as Court of Appeals Judge. Professor Rivera will bring intellect, judgment and experience, while presiding over cases affecting millions of New Yorkers.

 Professor Rivera’s qualifications were never in doubt – she is an accomplished academic with a significant body of scholarly work. She is a dedicated advocate who passed up more lucrative opportunities in the private sector to provide legal aid for immigrants, low-income families, and other vulnerable New Yorkers. And she is an impressive legal mind with experience clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor earlier in their respective careers.

 Even partisan politics could not imperil the nomination of such a qualified candidate – Professor Rivera faced one scornful question after another during her hearing last week, and she displayed the very characteristics we seek in a member of the court: calm, impartiality, and measured, rational thought. With her confirmation behind her, I am excited to follow Judge Rivera as she brings her experience to our state’s highest court.” 

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