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August 30, 2012 -- The Judicial Screening Panel of LeGaL, The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York, is pleased to announce its ratings for judicial candidates involved in September 2012 Democratic Party primary contests. Candidates were eligible to receive the following ratings: "Highly Approved," "Approved," "Not Approved" or "Not Approved - Failed to Appear."
In order to obtain an "Approved" rating, the Panel must be satisfied that the candidate meets the following criteria: 1) Once on the bench, the candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the equality of rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and the transgender community; 2) The candidate possesses the integrity, intellect, experience and temperament required to sit on the bench; and 3) The candidate will not permit discrimination against any other minority group in his/her courtroom.
In order to obtain a rating of "Highly Approved," the candidate must possess all of the characteristics required for an "Approved" rating to an outstanding degree and in addition must have demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering public confidence in the integrity of the judicial process.
New York County
Surrogate's Court
Barbara Jaffe: Highly Approved
Rita Mella: Highly Approved
Civil Court, 3rd Municipal District
Olga Statz: Approved
Lisa A. Sokoloff: Approved
Kings County
Civil Court, 1st Municipal District
Lara J. Genovesi: Approved
Richard J. Montelione: Highly Approved
Civil Court, 5th Municipal District
Charles Finkelstein: Not Approved - Failed to Appear
Theresa M. Ciccotto: Not Approved- Failed to Appear
Steven Z. Mostofsky: Not Approved - Failed to Appear
Bronx County
Civil Court, 2nd Municipal District
Eddie McShan: Approved
Juana P. Valentin: Not Approved - Failed to Appear
* Additional ratings will be released prior to the general election.
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