| STATEN ISLAND - Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman
today named Hon. Leonard P. Rienzi the Supervising Judge of the State Supreme
Court in Staten Island. The appointment was made upon the recommendation
of Hon. Ann Pfau, the Administrative Judge of the Supreme Court for the
Second Judicial District (which comprises Staten Island and Brooklyn),
and in consultation with A. Gail Prudenti, Presiding Justice of the Appellate
Division, Second Department. Judge Rienzi succeeds Supreme Court Justice
Louis Sangiorgio, who will continue to sit on the Supreme Court bench in
Staten Island. The appointment is effective immediately.
"I want to thank Justice Sangiorgio for his over two decades of hard
work and outstanding service as the Supervising Judge in Staten Island,"
said Judge Lippman. "His longevity in this position, superb record as a
jurist and administrator, and exceptional dedication to the community of
Staten Island are unsurpassed, and for this, I extend to him my commendations
and sincere gratitude."
Judge Lippman added, "I welcome Judge Rienzi as Supervising Judge and
have every confidence that he will serve as a resourceful, innovative administrator
in his new position."
Judge Pfau said, "I am so pleased that Judge Rienzi has agreed to take
on the challenges of this critical new assignment. He is widely respected
by his colleagues as an exceptional jurist with a strong commitment to
a fair and efficient court process. These qualities will undoubtedly
serve him well in his new role, and I look forward to working closely with
him in the future."
Judge Rienzi was appointed to the New York City Criminal Court in 1982
and four years later was elevated to the position of Acting Supreme Court
Justice, assigned to Brooklyn and later Staten Island. After graduating
from the University of Virginia School of Law, Judge Rienzi began his legal
career in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, rising through the
ranks as chief of the major felony program, deputy chief of the trial division,
senior trial counsel and finally as the second-ranking assistant district
attorney, reporting directly to the District Attorney. Judge Rienzi has
lectured on legal issues throughout the state and has authored a book on
trial procedures.
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