In 1967, as a rookie lawyer of six months in the Queens DA’s office, I argued my first case in the NY Court of Appeals. As I waited for my case to be called, I witnessed Michael Juviler, a 32-year-young chief of the Manhattan District Attorney’s appeals bureau, argue a high-profile case. His presentation was brilliant, just like his performance in every significant position he held thereafter; including his roles as a dad, a grandpa and as a husband to his beloved Barbara. I later heard his praises sung repeatedly by his dear friend and admirer, retired Court of Appeals Judge Albert Rosenblatt, my friend and mentor of over four decades.
Fast forward to 1999: a vacancy arose on the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics which I co-chair. Then Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman called to ask my opinion about a judge he was considering for that vacancy—a question I had never before been asked. I knew the proposed judge’s name only; so I offered to quickly and discretely check him out. A busy Judge Lippman promptly rejected that offer as he wanted the vacancy filled ASAP. He then asked me, “Well, whom would you like me to name?” In a nanosecond I blurted: “Judge Michael Juviler!” After a very pregnant pause, Judge Lippman slowly uttered, “That’s a great idea!” He then added, “I’ll tell you what—I’ll appoint them both; how’s that?” I responded, “if you give us Judge Juviler I will be delighted to have them both.” As it turned out, Judges Michael Juviler and Joseph Fisch were both wonderful members.
