Minority Bar Association Rates Judicial Candidates
BUFFALO, New York — The Minority Bar Association of Western New York (MBAWNY) Judicial Ratings Committee has issued ratings on the qualifications of judicial candidates running for elected office in Western New York.
To issue the opinions, members of the MBAWNY — an association that aims to facilitate and advance equality and excellence in the legal profession — conducted an extensive investigation into each candidate’s qualifications and background and evaluated their credentials. The committee then conducted personal interviews with the candidates on September 11, 2024.
The members of the MBAWNY, a not-for-profit group, are from diverse ethnic backgrounds representing various races, cultures, and beliefs in Western New York. The association aids in the progress of minorities in the legal profession, addresses legal issues affecting minorities, and encourages the personal and professional development of lawyers and students.
“Judicial ratings by the Minority Bar Association of Western New York help educate the community during election season. Our ratings are important because our organization and its members are critically attuned to legal issues affecting minority communities in Western New York,” says Ifeoluwa Popoola, MBAWNY president.
In evaluating the nominees, the Judicial Ratings Committee considered these factors: character; judicial temperament; professional reputation; legal and administrative ability and experience; work ethic, diligence, and efficiency; ability to lead; impartiality and independence; freedom from bias and prejudice; and appreciation of issues facing the justice system, members of the judiciary, and members of the bar.
Judicial candidates submitted their application requesting an opinion from the MBAWNY. Candidates not requesting a rating were not rated. Under the ratings committee guidelines, the issued ratings are “Superior,” “Well Qualified,” “Qualified,” “Qualified but Limited by Experience,” and “Cannot Recommend.”
The MBAWNY has rated the candidates as follows:
Hon. Deborah Chimes, New York State Supreme Court candidate: Superior
Hon. Henry Nowak, New York State Supreme Court candidate: Superior
Hon. Catherine Nugent Panepinto, New York State Supreme Court candidate: Well Qualified
Hon. Kara Buscaglia, Erie County Family Court candidate: Well Qualified
Hon. Jeffrey Harrington, Erie County Family Court candidate: Well Qualified
Peter Vasilion, Erie County Family Court candidate: Well Qualified
The MBAWNY, which advocates for the civil rights of all people and enhances legal services available to minority communities, would like to thank its Judicial Ratings Committee for its hard work in rating these candidates.