Judges in New York State are reportedly set to receive their first salary raises in close to half a decade, a move expected to enhance their earnings to match those of federal judiciary counterparts. This adjustment could also positively influence initiatives aimed at increasing diversity on the bench.
The compensation plan, approved by the New York State Commission on Legislative, Judicial, & Executive Compensation, aligns the salaries of State Supreme Court judges at $232,600, equivalent to that of judges serving in the U.S. District Court. The remuneration for other judicial office holders, encompassing administrative and appellate justices, will be restructured relative to this figure.
The plan will undergo review by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), Court of Appeals Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, and legislative heads. In absence of rejection by the legislature, the new earnings scheme is due to commence in April. There will be a 2% salary increase in April 2026, though no hikes will occur in 2025 and 2027. It’s important to note that Appellate and Court of Appeals judges earn more than state Supreme Court judges, contrasted by New York City judges who earn 5% to 7% less.
Present and former judges emphasize the pay parity as a crucial factor in attracting diverse talents. This is particularly significant towards groups that are currently underrepresented on the bench, such as Latinos and the Asian American Pacific Islanders, for individuals with large student debt, and even more so for those providing family support.
Turning to the broader societal stage, the Asian American and Pacific Islanders comprise the fastest expanding communities in New York State. According to the U.S Census, the Asian populace expanded nearly 38%, while the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population rose by 11.4% from 2010 to 2020. Yet only 61 of the 3,400 judges in New York, inclusive of town and village justices, identify as AAPI. The Hispanic and Latino population, which make up nearly 20% of state’s overall populace, only comprise around 10% of the state’s judiciary.
This pay raise was seen as a crucial improvement for the morale of the judiciary which had not seen one for over a decade and felt neglected. Hence, for the sake of morale and recognizing the judiciary’s valuable work, the increase was deemed appropriate and in line with their federal counterparts.
New York State Bar Association’s current president, Richard Lewis, affirmed that they would back an annual standard-of-living review of salaries, to ensure regular increases and recognition of judges’ valuable contribution.
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