Justice Troutman Has Served as a Leading Jurist in Western New York for Nearly Three Decades
Once Confirmed, Justice Troutman Will Become the Second-Ever Black Woman on New York State's Highest Court
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced her selection of the Honorable Justice Shirley Troutman to fill the upcoming vacancy on the New York State Court of Appeals. Justice Troutman currently serves as an Associate Justice, Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court's Fourth Judicial Department and has been a respected jurist in Western New York for nearly three decades. The appointment of Justice Troutman is the latest effort from Governor Hochul to elevate leaders who represent the diversity and breadth of the Empire State.
"I am proud to nominate Justice Shirley Troutman to New York State's highest court," Governor Hochul said. "Justice Troutman has a brilliant legal mind, a fair-minded judicial philosophy, sterling qualifications, and a commitment to equal justice that guides her approach from the bench. I am confident she will serve with distinction on the New York State Court of Appeals."
Justice Shirley Troutman is a lifelong public servant. She has served as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court's Fourth Judicial Department since 2016. From 2010 to 2016, she served as a Justice of the Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District and before that served as a Judge in Erie County Court from 2003 to 2009. She began her career on the bench in 1994, elected as a Judge on the Buffalo City Court. Justice Troutman received her law degree from Albany Law School and her undergraduate degree from the State University at Buffalo. She is a longtime resident of Western New York.
In addition to her service on the bench, Judge Troutman has been an active member of her community in Western New York. She teaches students at Buffalo State and SUNY Buffalo Law School as an Adjunct Professor, and co-chairs New York State's Franklin Williams Commission, which advises the State court system on issues impacting employees and litigants of color. She is President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Women Judges and a member of numerous organizations such as the Erie County Bar Association, the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, the Women's Bar Association of Western New York, and the New York State Bar Association. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Earlier this year, Justice Troutman was selected by the Commission on Judicial Nomination as one of seven nominees for the upcoming vacancy on the New York State Court of Appeals. Justice Troutman received stellar ratings from New York's legal community, including a rating of "Well Qualified" from the New York State Bar Association, "Exceptionally Well Qualified" from the NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, and "Well Qualified" from the Defense Association of NY.
President of the NAACP New York State Conference Hazel Dukes said, "I am so impressed with Governor Hochul's selection of Justice Shirley Troutman to serve on the New York State Court of Appeals. Not only does Justice Troutman have the right skills and qualifications to serve on the State's highest court, but she also has the lived experience to ensure she treats all who come before her with compassion, dignity and respect. What a thrill to see a fellow Delta Sigma Theta soror, Justice Troutman, ascend to the highest levels of professional success."
U.S. Representative Brian Higgins said, "Judge Shirley Troutman is a jurist of the highest caliber, a self-made attorney and judge who has served honorably at every level of New York State's judiciary. I have been proud to know Judge Troutman for more than two decades, and I am convinced that her continued service would benefit all the people of New York State."
Senator Tim Kennedy said, "The Honorable Justice Shirley Troutman has dedicated her life to serving her community, both by upholding law and justice, and by helping to shape the minds of the next generation of legal professionals. Her leadership is unparalleled, and her extensive experience and knowledge make her an invaluable asset to New York and its justice system. I look forward to supporting Governor Hochul's selection of Justice Troutman to fill this important role as her nomination advances in the Senate."
Senator Sean Ryan said, "I congratulate Justice Shirley Troutman on her nomination and I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for making this historic choice for the New York State Court of Appeals. I have known Justice Troutman for many years and through my firsthand experience I have found her to be a great jurist who has the experience and integrity to serve the people well on our state's highest court. Justice Troutman treats everyone with dignity and respect and I know her professionalism will shine through. I look forward to supporting her nomination when the Senate reconvenes in January."
Senator James Sanders Jr. said, "I support the appointment of Justice Troutman to fill the upcoming vacancy on the New York State Court of Appeals. Her years of experience and lifelong dedication to public service makes her well deserving of this honor. I applaud Governor Hochul for her expert decision-making and dedication to diversity in choosing an African-American woman for this position. If confirmed, Justice Troutman will be an inspiration and role model for all women, particularly young women of color."
Assemblymember Monica Wallace said, "Judge Troutman has distinguished herself as an extraordinary jurist who has the background, legal acumen, temperament and judgment needed to serve on our state's highest court. She is highly regarded for her fairness, integrity, and commitment to ensuring that justice is served. I commend Governor Hochul for her outstanding choice to elevate Judge Troutman to the New York Court of Appeals."
Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera said, "I commend Governor Hochul on her nomination of Judge Shirley Troutman to the state Court of Appeals. Judge Troutman will bring a litany of experience and professionalism to the state's highest court, and her proficient work in creating more equitable outcomes in New York's justice system and beyond will add an invaluable perspective."
Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "I applaud Governor Hochul's nomination of Shirley Troutman to the New York Court of Appeals. Judge Troutman will bring her extraordinary experience, intellect, compassion and common sense to the State's highest court."
Assemblymember Bill Conrad said, "Judge Troutman is an esteemed jurist, trusted court advisor and beloved educator, and she has exhibited an unwavering commitment to justice for all. Her vast experience on the bench, along with her legal expertise, inherent fairness and irreproachable character make her ideally suited to the State's highest court. I am proud and honored to support her nomination to the Court of Appeals."
County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "I am glad all New Yorkers will soon learn what Western New Yorkers have known for decades: Justice Shirley Troutman is one of the finest jurists in our state. I commend Governor Hochul on making such a wise choice and congratulate Justice Troutman on her appointment to the Court of Appeals."
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Congratulations to Justice Shirley Troutman on this prestigious honor. My fellow Albany Law School alum has been a model jurist for nearly 30 years, and I am confident she will serve the residents of the State of New York with distinction. I commend Governor Hochul on her selection of Justice Troutman to the Court of Appeals and her ongoing commitment to equity and diversity across State government."
T. Andrew Brown, President of the New York State Bar Association, said,"Justice Troutman brings to the Court of Appeals invaluable experience as a prosecutor, trial court judge and appellate justice. She is a true champion for justice, diversity, and inclusion. Her appointment underscores the importance of a diverse judiciary. We commend the governor on this superb choice."
Bishop Darius G. Pridgen, President of the Buffalo Common Council, said, "For decades, Justice Shirley Troutman has served the people of Buffalo and Erie County as a respected member of the judiciart. Wester New Yorkers know Justice Troutman to be a highly-intelligent, well-qualified jurist who serves her community with distinction. I applaud Governor Hochul for selecting one of Buffalo's finest public servants for the New York State Court of Appeals."
Former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields said, "I applaud Governor Hochul's selection of Justice Shirley Troutman to serve on New York's Court of Appeals. Justice Troutman is a superlative choice: her sharp legal mind, her fantastic credentials, and her commitment to public service all make her a clear standout candidate for the judiciary. We must always strive for a more diverse Court System."
Monroe County Public Defender Timothy P. Donaher said, "As a Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, Justice Troutman is always prepared and engaged, and has an excellent judicial demeanor. She is sensitive to racial justice issues, and how those issues often negatively intersect with the criminal justice system. I look forward to her tenure at the Court of Appeals and believe she will be a strong advocate for addressing the inequities in our criminal and family court systems."
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