Credit: Getty Images
In a move that could place the first black woman on the bench of the state’s highest court, Governor Andrew Cuomo has nominated Sheila Abdus-Salaam to the Court of Appeals.
“As one of our state’s most respected and experienced jurists, Justice Abdus-Salaam will bring a wealth of judicial and legal expertise to the New York State Court of Appeals,” Cuomo said in a statement announcing the nomination.
Abdus-Salaam, who has been an associate justice of the appellate division in the first department for four years and served as a judge in Manhattan Supreme Court for 14 years, said it was an honor to be considered.
“This nomination presents me with an opportunity to continue to serve New Yorkers and advocate for justice and fairness here in New York State,” she said.
If confirmed by the Senate, Abdus-Salaam will take the seat previously filled by Judge Theodore Jones, who died of a heart attack late last year. He was the only black member of the seven-judge court.
