Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court, First Judicial Department


The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, First Judicial Department is headquartered in Manhattan.

Jurisdiction

The First Department of the Appellate Division holds jurisdiction over the Counties of New York and the Bronx. Appeals are taken to the Appellate Division, as a matter of right, in civil and criminal cases, from the Supreme Court, Surrogate’s Court, Family Court, and Court of Claims.
Along with the state's other three Appellate Departments, it shares responsibility for all admissions to the New York bar. Under the state's bar admission rules, all bar applicants must be interviewed in person by one of the Appellate Departments. The First Department admits only residents of Manhattan and the Bronx, with all other applicants being admitted by other Departments. However, once admitted by one Department, a new attorney may practice in any New York state court.

Case load

Over 3,000 appeals, 6,000 motions, and 1,000 interim applications are determined each year.

Current Justices

Former justices