Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman is applauded by Associate Judges Eugene Pigott, left, Jenny Rivera and others after hearing his final argument Wednesday at the Court of Appeals in Albany. Lippman, who has been chief judge for nearly eight years, will step down Dec. 31 due to mandatory retirement rules.
In brief comments to current and former judges, court administrators and his former clerks and assistants who gathered in the courtroom, Lippman said the Court of Appeals “will always be my home” and the state court system his extended family. While calling the retirement rule “a little ridiculous,” Lippman confessed he is looking forward to having less responsibility. “It is time to move on and I have to admit some relief at not having the weight of the world on my shoulders, at least six weeks from now.”
