Monday, February 16, 2009

Former Chief Judge Kaye Joins Skadden Arps

Former Chief Judge Judith Kaye Joins Skadden Arps as Of Counsel
The New York Law Journal by Joel Stashenko -  February 17, 2009

Former New York State chief judge Judith S. Kaye began what she called "Chapter 3" of her legal career today at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Ms. Kaye, forced to leave the Court of Appeals in December due to mandatory retirement rules, has joined Skadden as of counsel, though she acknowledged she did not yet know exactly exactly what she will do for the firm nor how much time that will leave for promoting children's programs, supporting diversity in the legal profession and other causes she championed as chief judge. At first, Ms. Kaye, 70, said she has to learn the landscape of a large law firm after her 25 years on the Court of Appeals and her more than 15 years as chief judge.  "I have so much to learn about the world of law firms," Ms. Kaye said in an interview last week. "Knowing law and practicing law are two different things. And practicing at big firms is different, too."

Ms. Kaye was a commercial law specialist and the first female partner at Olwine, Connelly, Chase, O'Donnell & Weyher when she was nominated by then-Governor Mario Cuomo in 1983 to become the first female member of the Court of Appeals.  "I loved being a lawyer," Ms. Kaye said. "I have always been a lawyer, even at the Court of Appeals. I loved trying cases. I tried jury cases. I tried appeals." However, Ms. Kaye said it is unclear whether she will get back into a court to argue on behalf of Skadden clients. Ms. Kaye referred to her pre-judge days as "Chapter 1" of her legal career and her tenure on the Court of Appeals as "Chapter 2." She will work out of Skadden's New York headquarters at 4 Times Square. William P. Frank, national legal practice leader for litigation at Skadden, said he also could not predict how Ms. Kaye's role at the firm would play out.

"It is too soon to tell," Mr. Frank said in an interview. "We welcome her. In effect, she wants to, and we encourage her, to do the public service and pro bono-type of things, but we have also said that a lot of clients will seek her out." Mr. Frank said Ms. Kaye's presence at Skadden will be a significant resource to younger attorneys at the firm and, in a general way, an additional boost to the prestige of the firm. "She is probably one of the best-known jurists in the United States and I think worldwide," Mr. Frank said. "It is not just a name, but a name that is very, very well respected by lawyers and non-lawyers worldwide. We are delighted and honored, really, to have her with us and expect her to be with us for many, many years." Ms. Kaye said that she did not want to stop working after leaving the Court but did want to work in a stimulating, collegial atmosphere that would remind her of the Court.

"One of the reasons that I picked the firm is that I know a lot of people there," she said. "I have good friends there. I think it is logical, rational and wise, I hope in my hindsight, to do this. Retirement is not something that I contemplated, ever." The firm through a spokesperson declined to say how much Ms. Kaye will be paid. As chief judge she earned $156,000 a year. First year associates at Skadden are paid a base salary of $160,000 a year.  Ms. Kaye said she would be available at all times to lend her expertise to Jonathan Lippman, her former chief administrative judge who was confirmed last week by the Senate as Ms. Kaye's successor as chief judge. "I am always here for the new chief judge," Ms. Kaye said. "He is so fabulous." Joel.Stashenko@incisivemedia.com

12 comments:

  1. thier should be laws against that.
    Laws that are being used to prevent lobbyist should be used like prevent her from joining any law firm for say 2 years after she left the court. That deal must have been maid some time ago.
    That raises many questions.
    Also at 70 years old i am sure she does not need the money.
    This is proof that the people in the N.Y courts need to be looked into. Starting at the top from Lippman and his frend Kaye.

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  2. I Mr. Frank... DO NOT... respect Judy Kaye...as a non-lawyer and citizen who worked with her as my Chief Judge, she is shameful as a woman, a lawyer, and especially as a judge. She is unprofessional and criminal in violation of her oath in both cases.

    Judy Kaye's "diversity" act of reform is a coverup for all her blatant acts of discrimination and violations of civil rights. Kaye is a deft. in a federal lawsuit that alleges she violated those acts with full knowledge and condoned additional criminal harassment against the pltf. when the pltf. filed the actions in federal court...in violation of several criminal laws of NY state...all of which you and she allege...Kaye so honorable upheld!

    Your law firm has successfully attached itself to one of the biggest frauds and criminals that exited in the NY justice system. I hope you feel her warmth, when you turn your back and she attacks in only the way... Kaye can do.

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  3. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  4. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  5. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  6. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  7. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  8. Kaye is like a tit on a bull "USELESS"

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  9. judy kaye could do several things. she can get her own TV show and have it called Judge Judy II. she can run for governor in the democratic primary as she would fill out the trifecta of dumb (paterson)Cuomo (dumber), and Kaye, position not yet determined.

    Andrew couldn't even get the Marty Tankleff case right.

    NYS hasn't had a great governor since Andy's father.

    We are in some very serious trouble in this country.

    Obama v Mccain
    Spitzer v I cant remember the name.

    Cuomo v Pirro.

    chuck v al d.

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  10. Kaye thinks Lippman is "just fabulous"

    Any body have a barf bag?

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  11. KAYES ON A JUDICIAL ADVISORY/NOMINEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE...WHY DID LIPPMAN DO THIS? REMEMBER THE KENNEDY FIASCO AND ALL ABSENT WHERE THOSE PRO DAD MOVEMENTS? KAYE DURING HER REIGN EFFECTIVELY DILUTED THE CONCEPT OF FATHERHOOD. REMEMBER THE WANABEE APPELLANT JUDGE DEPHILLIPS? ONE OF MANY INSTRUMENTS OF KAYES ANTI FATHER RIGHTS.

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