We write on behalf of the Capital District Black & Hispanic Bar Association and the Capital District Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. Together, our organizations represent hundreds of minority and women attorneys, including gay and lesbian individuals, who live, work and practice in the Third Department, many of whom are actively litigating in local courts.
We would like to respond to “Experts Identify Obstacles to Integrating Albany Bench,” (NYLJ, May 6, 2014). The article explores why there are no minority judges on the Appellate Division, Third Department, and quotes sources who suggest that the “core” problem is the lack of qualified minority lawyers in the community.
