• Biography

Sol Wachtler is an American jurist and former Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of the New York judiciary.

Early Life

Sol Wachtler was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 15, 1930. He was the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He attended Brooklyn College and graduated with a degree in political science in 1951. He then attended New York University School of Law, where he graduated in 1954.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school, Wachtler began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Irving R. Kaufman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He then worked as an assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office from 1956 to 1962. In 1962, he was appointed as a judge of the New York Supreme Court.

In 1972, Wachtler was appointed to the New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state. He was appointed Chief Judge of the court in 1985 and served in that position until 1993. During his tenure as Chief Judge, he was instrumental in reforming the court system and modernizing the court's procedures. He also established the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which is responsible for investigating and disciplining judges who violate the code of judicial conduct.

Later Career

After leaving the Court of Appeals, Wachtler served as a professor at Touro Law School from 1993 to 1998. He also served as a visiting professor at New York University School of Law from 1998 to 2000.

In 1993, Wachtler was arrested and charged with extortion after sending threatening letters to his former mistress. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. After his release, he resumed his legal career and served as a mediator and arbitrator.

Legacy

Sol Wachtler is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of the New York judiciary. He was instrumental in reforming the court system and modernizing the court's procedures. He also established the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which is responsible for investigating and disciplining judges who violate the code of judicial conduct. His legacy will continue to be felt in the New York legal system for years to come.

Date modified: Apr 5, 2023
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