ALBANY, N.Y. - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has elevated nine supreme court justices to the four appellate departments of New York State, including a well-respected and longtime state supreme court judge in Cortland County.
Philip Rumsey
The governor designated State Supreme Court Justice Philip Rumsey to fill an associate justice vacancy for the Appellate Division-Third Department of the New York State Supreme Court, which covers 28 counties in eastern and northern portions of upstate New York.
Rumsey currently presides as a Supreme Court Justice for the Sixth Judicial District, which covers 10 counties, including Cortland.
"These tremendously qualified jurists bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to New York's Appellate Court," Gov. Cuomo said in a press release Tuesday morning. "I am proud to appoint these judges to their new roles where they will continue to uphold principles of law and fairness to move New York forward."
Prior to being elected to the Sixth Judicial District in 1993, Rumsey practiced law for two decades in Cortland County in various capacities, including as town attorney for Cortlandville, an attorney with the Cortland Housing Authority, and Assistant County Attorney for Cortland County.
He has also served as legislative counsel for New York State Sen. James Seward, who congratulated Rumsey on his appointment.
“Justice Rumsey has served our state’s legal system with great distinction in a number of capacities, and is well deserving of this esteemed appointment,” Sen. Seward said. “The Appellate Division is crucial to our justice system and Justice Rumsey’s vast knowledge, thoughtful demeanor, and legal expertise will be a great asset to this esteemed panel. I am proud to have worked with Phil early in his career and to call him a close friend.”
Rumsey will be sworn in Wed., May 31, during a ceremony in Albany. The appointment marks a transition from hearing cases at the trial level to the appeal level.
“It’s a very nice change for my career and I’m looking forward to it,” Rumsey said.
He will maintain his office chambers at the Cortland County Courthouse.
