On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the New York Judicial Conduct Commission announced the appointment of Judge David Fried to its body. Fried, currently serving as a Judge of the Court of Claims and an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court in Rockland County, was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The announcement highlights Fried’s extensive background in both law and public service. A graduate of Manhattanville College, where he earned magna cum laude honors, and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Fried’s career includes time in private practice, as well as service as a Town Justice in Ramapo and Village Justice in Spring Valley. Before his judicial appointments, Fried served as a Rockland County Legislator and worked within the White House Office of Advance during President Bill Clinton’s administration, as well as for Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey.
Judge Fried is also the President of the New York State LGBTQ+ Judges Association and co-chairs the Ninth Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee. His involvement extends to numerous boards and judicial associations, including the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board, the Board of the Association of Court of Claims Judges, and the Executive Committee of the Justice Brandeis Law Society for the Ninth Judicial District. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School.
Fried succeeds Appellate Division Justice Robert J. Miller, who retired from the Commission on December 31, 2025, after serving since 2018.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, established in 1978, is responsible for reviewing complaints of misconduct and disability against judges and justices within the State Unified Court System. The commission has the authority to discipline judges found to have engaged in misconduct. The Commission consists of 11 members who serve without pay.
