Michael V. Coccoma was appointed as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City in May 2009 by Chief Administrative Judge Ann Pfau. The appointment was made with the approval of Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman and in consultation with the Presiding Justices of the Appellate Divisions of the Second, Third and Fourth Judicial Departments. In his new position, Judge Coccoma is responsible for managing the courts in the 57 counties outside of New York City which includes 650 justices and over 20,000 employees.

Judge Coccoma is a graduate of The Citadel and earned his J.D. at Albany Law School. He began his career in private practice and served as Otsego County Attorney and Assistant District Attorney before being elected as District Attorney in 1991. He was elected to his first term as a multi-bench judge of County Court, Family Court and Surrogate’s Court in Otsego County in 1994. Five years later, Judge Coccoma was appointed Presiding Judge of the then newly-created Otsego County Drug Treatment Court. In 2004, he ran unopposed for his reelection to County Court. Judge Coccoma was appointed an Acting Supreme Court Justice in 2000 and elected to the Supreme Court in 2008.

In addition to this experience, Judge Coccoma has served on important state-wide committees including the New York State Matrimonial Commission, charged with examining and recommending reforms in divorce proceedings, and the Family Court Advisory and Rules Committee, which recommended proposals for changes in family court procedure and family law to better serve the public. Judge Coccoma has consistently shown a commitment to youth, serving as a member of Law Guardian Advisory and Rules Committee as well as participating in the Otsego County Children’s Center Committee, which created a safe haven for young family members awaiting hearings.

Judge Coccoma and his wife, Ellen, reside in Cooperstown with their three children. His commitment to civil service extends through to his active participation in his local community where he serves as a Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, and has been involved in a variety of youth development programs ranging from the Rotary Club Youth Exchange, to coaching youth soccer and organizing volunteer service projects for teens. He also enjoys motorcycling and distance running and has completed a number of marathons.

Information about Hon. Michael V. Coccoma is also available in the Judicial Directory.