BAEC issues ratings for judicial candidates

The Bar Association of Erie County has issued its 2011 ratings for judicial candidates for Buffalo City Court, Erie County Family Court and New York State Supreme Court.

Ratings include Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified and Not Recommended:

New York State Supreme Court
• The Hon. Patrick H. NeMoyer — Outstanding

Erie County Court
• The Hon. Sharon M. LoVallo – Well Qualified
• The Hon. Patricia A. Maxwell — Well Qualified

Buffalo City Court
• Gillian Brown — Qualified
• The Hon. Susan M. Eagan — Well Qualified
• The Hon. Joseph A. Fiorella — Well Qualified
• The Hon. David Manz —Well Qualified
• Anthony L. Pendergrass — Not Recommended
• The Hon. Robert T. Russell, Jr. — Outstanding
• Diane Y. Wray — Not Recommended

Judicial candidates were asked to complete a written questionnaire and are rated on criteria including integrity, experience, professional ability, education, reputation, industry, temperament, fairness, statutory standards, attitude, punctuality, and knowledge of the law; all of which are determined through a process that includes a personal interview with each candidate that requests it and interviews with lawyers and judges who have had interaction with the candidates.