ALBANY—Paul Feinman on Wednesday was sworn in as an associate judge on the state’s highest court, making him the first openly gay member of the Court of Appeals.

Feinman, a former appellate justice in Manhattan, was nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in June to fill the vacancy left after the death of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam. Despite the packed courtroom and festive occasion, the events that led to the vacancy on the court were commemorated.