NEW YORK—Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George today announced several appointments today, including esteemed LLAQC member Hon. Edwin I. Novillo as Supervising Judge of Queens County Criminal Court. His appointments was made with the approval of Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson and in consultation with Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Adam Silvera and the respective Presiding Justices of the State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, Hon. Dianne T. Renwick (First Department) and Hon. Hector D. LaSalle (Second Department).

“It is both a profound privilege and a great honor to accept the appointment as Supervising Judge in the borough where I was raised. Queens, a borough renowned for its vibrant cultural diversity, has instilled in me a deep understanding of the vital importance of ensuring that justice is administered with fairness, integrity, and empathy. I am firmly committed to assuring that every individual, regardless of background, can experience a system of justice that treats them with dignity and respect. I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence that Chief Judge Wilson, Chief Administrative Judge Zayas, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George, Deputy Chief Administrative Judges Silvera, Richardson, and Murphy and Administrative Judge Amaker have placed in me. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals whose unwavering commitment to progress and excellence inspires me daily. Together, I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to uphold and apply the principles of justice, equality, and fairness in service to our community,” said Justice Novillo.

Hon. Edwin I. Novillo has been serving in Queens County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term, where he hears an array of matters. His judicial career began with his interim appointment to New York City Civil Court in February 2018, making him the first person of Ecuadorian descent to be named to the judiciary by a New York City mayor. He was reappointed in January 2019, serving on the New York City Criminal Court and presiding over thousands of cases, and later designated an acting Supreme Court Justice. Prior to his becoming a judge, he was employed by The Legal Aid Society, serving as a staff attorney in its Kings County Criminal Defense Practice and later as a senior staff attorney in the Society’s Queens County Criminal Defense Practice. Justice Novillo is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where he was recognized for his public service, earning two prestigious public interest fellowships. Among his professional activities, he serves on the board of the Latino Judges Association, is a member of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, and mentors aspiring judges via the Franklin H. Williams Commission’s Judicial Mentorship Program.

See the Official News Release from The New York State Unified Court System