The executive director of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary (MACJ) has resigned, a City Hall spokesperson confirmed on Monday. This departure adds to the committee’s ongoing challenges, including a significant number of vacancies.
Established to recruit, evaluate, and recommend highly qualified judicial candidates for appointment to New York City’s Criminal Court, Family Court, and interim Civil Court positions, the MACJ plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the city’s judiciary. The committee’s responsibilities are outlined in Executive Order 06, signed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani on January 2, 2026. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/01/executive-order-06?utm_source=openai))
On the same day, Mayor Mamdani appointed Ali Najmi, a civil rights and election attorney, as the chair of the MACJ. Najmi’s appointment was part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency and inclusivity in the judicial selection process. The mayor emphasized the importance of a judiciary that reflects the diversity of New York City and applies the rule of law universally. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/01/mayor-mamdani-appoints-ali-najmi-as-chair-of-mayor-s-advisory-co?utm_source=openai))
The recent resignation of the executive director raises concerns about the committee’s capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively. The MACJ is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis and encourages interested candidates to explore their website for more information. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/macj/index.page?utm_source=openai))
The Mayor’s Office has yet to announce a successor for the executive director position. The administration’s commitment to revitalizing the MACJ remains evident, as demonstrated by recent appointments and policy changes aimed at promoting transparency and inclusivity in the judicial selection process.