New York Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas has announced the appointment of Hon. Norman St. George as First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, the second-highest ranking administration position within the New York State Judiciary. The appointment was made with the approval of Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson and in consultation with the Presiding Justices of each of the four Judicial Departments of New York State’s Appellate Division. In his new capacity and on behalf of the Chief Administrative Judge, Judge St. George will oversee all trial-level courts throughout the State, as well as all departments and operations within the Office of Court Administration.
In announcing the appointment Chief Administrative Judge Zayas said, “Judge St. George has contributed to the New York State court system in significant ways, providing invaluable administrative guidance in his previous role as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City and, before that, as Administrative Judge for the Nassau County Courts. His legal acumen, combined with his superb managerial skills, intimate knowledge of the workings of the courts, and exemplary character, make him ideally suited to take on the multiple demands of this vital administrative post. I am eager to work with him, in collaboration with our Deputy Chief Administrative Judges, local Administrative Judges, trial court judges, and court personnel throughout the State, as we seek ways to optimize court operations, enhance access to justice, and foster a diverse, inclusive work environment.” Judge St. George said, “I am privileged and honored to be part of an outstanding leadership team headed by our brilliant Chief Judge and dynamic Chief Administrative Judge. I look forward to assisting in making the New York State Courts the very best they can be.”
Prior to his appointment, Judge St. George served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City, managing the day-to-day operations of the trial-level courts in 57 counties, which comprise over 640 State-paid judges and 6,000-plus non-judicial employees. In that role, he worked with local Administrative Judges in overseeing the implementation of court system programs and protocols, and the allocation of personnel and other court resources, in meeting the justice needs of those served by the nine Judicial Districts and the Court of Claims outside New York City. He was also responsible for oversight of New York’s local Town and Village Courts. Before serving as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City, he was Administrative Judge for the Nassau County Courts (from January 2019 to September 2021). His judicial career began with his 2004 appointment and then election to the Nassau County District Court, where he established and presided over its misdemeanor Domestic Violence and DWI Parts. He was elected to Nassau County’s County Court in 2008 and designated an acting Supreme Court Justice, presiding over the Integrated Domestic Violence Part and criminal and civil matters. In 2013, he was appointed Supervising Judge of Nassau County’s District Court, which handles approximately 100,000 civil and criminal matters annually. Thereafter, under the State’s Raise the Age Law to establish a fairer juvenile justice system, Judge St. George created and presided over Nassau County’s Youth Part for eligible teen offenders. In 2018, he was elected to the Supreme Court in Nassau County. Many of his decisions have been published by the Official Court Reporter and the New York Law Journal.
Prior to taking the bench, Judge St. George headed his own law firm, handling a range of Federal and State criminal, commercial, and civil matters. Previously, he was a managing partner in a New York City law firm. Before that, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County. He began his legal career as a tax attorney, later working for a Long Island law firm, where he was a litigation associate, handling commercial, criminal, personal injury, real estate, and other cases.
Judge St. George is a graduate of Hofstra University School of Law and served as a student member of the Nassau County Inns of Court and the Hofstra Statewide Trial Team. He has lectured on both criminal and civil trial practice and most recently presented on topics such as Case Management, ADR Techniques, Courtroom Management, and Virtual Trial Protocols at the New York State Judicial Institute and various bar and judicial associations.
His appointment is effective immediately.
