Opinion by Judge Pigott. Judges Ciparick, Graffeo, Read and Jones concur. Judge Smith dissents and votes to affirm in an opinion. Chief Judge Lippman took no part.

Feb. 23, 2010; Case No. 16:

Steven Cohn, for appellants

Richard H. Dolan, for respondents

Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, et al., amici curiae

Case No. 17:

Richard H. Dolan, for appellants-respondents and respondent

Thomas E. Bezanson, for respondents-appellants

Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, et al.; New York County Lawyers’ Association; Atlantic Legal Foundation et al.; Zachary W. Carter; Asian American Bar Association of New York, et al., amici curiae

Case No. 18:

Bernard W. Nussbaum, for appellants-respondents

Richard H. Dolan, for respondents-appellants

Fund for Modern Courts; Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, et al., amici curiae