DiFiore Tapped to Become State's Next Chief Judge

Governor Andrew Cuomo has tapped a longtime ally to become the state's next Chief Judge, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore.

Serving as DA since 2006, DiFiore also was the chairwoman of a state Joint Commission on Public Ethics from 2011 through 2013.

That commission was, at times, criticized for failing to stem alleged corruption in the state capital.

DiFiore’s appointment to the state’s Court of Appeals still must be confirmed by the State Senate, which is not scheduled to meet until next month.

If approved, she would become the second female Chief Judge in New York history.

The current office holder, Judge Jonathan Lippman, is retiring at the end of the year.  

He is currently 70 years old, which is the mandatory age limit on the court.