NY's Second Highest Court Returns to Albany Law for Live Oral Arguments

Justices from New York’s second highest court returned to Albany Law School’s Dean Alexander Moot Courtroom to hear oral arguments on April 21.

The longstanding tradition between Albany Law School and the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department resumed after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With live cases before the court, the session presented a unique opportunity for law students to see the appellate process firsthand. 

The Justices on hand to hear arguments were:

• Hon. Michael C. Lynch ’79
• Hon. Christine M. Clark ’96
• Hon. Stan L. Pritzker
• Hon. John P. Colangelo
• Hon. Eddie J. McShan

Albany Law has hosted a session of the Appellate Division, Third Department since 1995, only pausing for the COVID-19 pandemic. The first session was held on Oct. 11, 1995, which was the first time in more than 85 years the court sat at a location other than its home courtroom.

That initial session was the beginning of a program where the Appellate Division, Third Department held sessions throughout its 28-county jurisdiction.