Judith S. Kaye, former Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, died on January 6 at the age of 77. Chief Judge Kaye was not only the first woman Judge and Chief Judge to serve in the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, she was the longest serving Chief Judge.
An ALI Council member from 1991 to 1997, Chief Judge Kaye was an Adviser to the Restatement of Law Third, The Law Governing Lawyers project, as well as an MCG participant on the Restatement of the Law, The U.S. Law of International Commercial Arbitration project.
In a press release issued by the Court of Appeals, acting Chief Judge Eugene F. Pigott, Jr. recognizes Chief Judge Kaye’s influence on the judicial system:
“She served tirelessly and compassionately for over 25 years. … She has been an inspiration to all of us who were privileged to know her and she will be greatly missed.”
After stepping down from the bench, Chief Judge Kaye joined Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in 2009.
Press release from Skadden.