GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION APPOINTMENT

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he will appoint the Honorable James A. Yates to serve as Counsel to the Governor.

“Judge Yates has a long and distinguished career in law and public service,” said Governor Paterson. “His experience as a New York State Supreme Court Justice as well as serving as Counsel in different capacities in the New York State Legislature uniquely qualifies him for this position. I am honored that he has agreed to join my administration and look forward to working together on all the challenges facing New York State.”

Judge Yates has been a New York State Supreme Court Justice in New York County since 1998. Prior to his service as a Supreme Court Justice, he was a judge for the New York State Court of Claims from 1992 to 1998. Previous to this appointment, Judge Yates served as Legislative Counsel to the Speaker of the New York State Assembly from 1989 to 1992 and was Counsel to the Majority of the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 1989. He also served as Senior Counsel to the New York State Assembly Codes Committee from 1979 to 1987. Judge Yates began his legal career as a Staff Attorney with The Legal Aid Society of New York City in 1973.

Judge Yates served as a Commissioner of the Commission on Uniform States Laws from 1989 to 1992 and was a Member of the New York Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund board from 1994 to 1998. Judge Yates has been a member of the Adjunct Faculty of New York University School of Law, New York Law School, City University of New York School of Law, Cardozo School of Law and Pace University School of Law.

Judge Yates received his A.B. from Princeton University in 1967 and his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law in 1973.

Judge Yates will be filling a position currently held by David Nocenti.

“I want to offer special thanks to David Nocenti, who has distinguished himself by his exceptional service to me and to our State,” said Governor Paterson. “He is a consummate professional and a dedicated public servant, and he has my personal gratitude.”

As Counsel to the Governor, Judge Yates will receive a salary of $175,800.

This appointment takes effect April 28, 2008 and does not require Senate confirmation.