The Association uses a four-level rating system of Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified, and Not Recommended. Ratings are done annually prior to fall elections to assist the public in making informed decisions as they vote for judicial candidates. The Judiciary Committee is nonpartisan.
Judicial candidates are evaluated on criteria necessary to hold judicial office, including integrity, experience, professional ability, education, reputation, industry, temperament, fairness, statutory standards, attitude, punctuality, and knowledge of the law. Judicial candidates are asked to complete a written questionnaire and are also interviewed as part of the comprehensive rating process. Interviews with lawyers and judges who have had interaction with the candidates are also considered in determining the rating for judicial office. Please visit eriebar.org for further information.
The Bar Association of Erie County has been rating candidates for judicial office since 1993. With more than 3,000 members, the not-for-profit professional association was founded in 1887 to advance the administration of justice through programs and services for the legal profession and the public.
2026 Judicial Ratings
The Bar Association of Erie County has completed and issued its 2026 ratings for judicial candidates for New York State Supreme Court and Buffalo City Court.
New York State Supreme Court
Michael L. Amodeo – Qualified
Jonathan S. Hickey – Well Qualified
Anne E. Joynt – Well Qualified
Christopher M. Pannozzo – Qualified
Robert Richardson – Well Qualified
Hon. Kenneth A. Szyszkowski – Well Qualified
Hon. Deanne M. Tripi – Well Qualified
Peter P. Vasilion – Qualified
Buffalo City Court
Hon. Michael J. Pacifico – Well Qualified
The Association uses a four-level rating system of Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified, and Not Recommended.
The Judiciary Committee is nonpartisan.
Ratings are done by a committee of 29 lawyers, with no more than 14 from a single political party. At least 9 new lawyers join the Committee each year. No member of the Committee may seek election to judicial office or publicly endorse or oppose any candidate for judicial office. A similar prohibition applies to BAEC Board Directors.
Criteria and Process are Comprehensive.
Judicial candidates are evaluated on criteria necessary to hold judicial office, including integrity, experience, professional ability, education, reputation, industry, temperament, fairness, statutory standards, attitude, punctuality, and knowledge of the law. Judicial candidates are asked to complete a written questionnaire and are also interviewed as part of a multi-faceted rating process. Interviews with lawyers and judges who have interacted with the candidates are also considered in determining the rating for judicial office.
Please contact the BAEC offices with any questions by calling 716.852.8687. or by email.