Mayor Zohran Mamdani has put forth three new nominations to join New York's judiciary, lining up individuals with varying backgrounds in legal service for positions that will be discussed in a forthcoming public hearing this January. As reported by the official announcement from the NYC Mayor's Office, Cary Fischer, Natalie Barros, and Andrés Casas are the candidates slated for these roles.
"New Yorkers deserve a justice system that delivers accountability, safety, and fairness across the five boroughs. I am proud to announce these judicial appointments, whose depth of experience and commitment to impartiality will strengthen our courts and restore public trust," Mayor Mamdani was quoted in the statement obtained by the NYC Mayor's Office. Judge Cary Fischer packs a robust law enforcement history, having started at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office and working his way up through various bureaus before continuing as an adjunct professor. Judge Natalie Barros brings a decade of service from the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office and subsequent roles in the state Unified Court System. Judge Andrés Casas made his mark through stints at Safe Passage Project, the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, litigation for the Port Authority and multiple roles within the state Unified Court System.
Beyond these fresh nominations, Mamdani also confirmed a set of reappointments—nine judges with criminal court and family court backgrounds. This roster includes seasoned professionals like Judge Steven Hornstein with a past in homicide prosecution and criminal defense, Judge Althea Drysdale with extensive experience from the Legal Aid Society, and Judge Joshua Glick, familiar with both private practice and legal aid defense. Other names feature Judge Jerry Iannece, Judge Nancy Carrington, Judge Michael Hartofilis, and Judge David Goodwin, all with backgrounds that traverse prosecution, private law practice, and clerkships in various courts.
On the family court front, Judge Gayle Roberts, having started with Mid-Hudson Legal Services, ascended to a supervisory role within the Bronx County District Attorney's Office before being tasked with the bench. Meanwhile, Judge Lauren Norton-Lerner traces her career from the U.S. Department of Labor to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, before her judiciary appointment, exemplifying a commitment to children's welfare and legal service.
