Statement on the Passing of the Honorable E. Leo Milonas

We at NYCLA were sorry to learn of the death of the Hon. E. Leo Milonas, who was a giant of the bench and bar in New York for over 60 years.  Most recently he chaired the New York State Commission on Judicial Nominations, which furnishes lists of potential nominees to the Court of Appeals for the Governor to nominate.  His judicial experience goes back to the 1970s when he served on various New York trial courts before becoming a Supreme Court Justice.  From there he became the Chief Administrative Judge under then-Chief Judge Judith Kaye, where he was instrumental in establishing the Commercial Division.  He also served on the Appellate Division, First Department.  Subsequent to his time on the bench, he went to Winthrop Stimson where he practiced for 25 more years.  Even there he was always committed to public service, serving as President of the City Bar as well as on the Commission on Judicial Nominations, in addition to handling substantial matters for clients.  Most importantly, however, we remember him fondly for his pleasant, professional, and friendly demeanor.  Even when faced with difficult issues and matters, both as a judge and in private practice, he was never angry, hostile, or short.  He had the true gift of having no enemies, only friends who loved him and colleagues who admired and respected him and sought his counsel and advice.  He will be missed.        

About the New York County Lawyers Association

The New York County Lawyers Association (www.nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence and has continuously played an active role in legal developments and public policy.

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