Doris Ling-Cohan

Doris Ling-Cohan
Name	Doris Ling-Cohan
Office	Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Term, First Department
Appointed	George Pataki
Term start	2002
Office1	Justice of the New York Supreme Court, New York County
Appointed1	George Pataki
Term start1	1996
Term end1	2002
Alma mater	Hunter College (BA), New York University School of Law (JD)
Birth date	1952
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.

Doris Ling-Cohan is an American jurist serving as a Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Term, First Department. Appointed to the New York Supreme Court in 1996 by Governor George Pataki, she has authored several landmark decisions in areas including LGBT rights, tenant rights, and criminal procedure. Her judicial career is distinguished by a commitment to civil rights and equality, earning her recognition from numerous legal and community organizations.

Early life and education

Born in 1952 in New York City, she is the daughter of immigrants from China. She attended Hunter College of the City University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently pursued her legal education at New York University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. Her early experiences in Manhattan and academic training in New York City profoundly shaped her perspective on social justice and public service.

Legal career

Following her graduation from law school, she began her legal career as a staff attorney for the MFY Legal Services in New York City, advocating for low-income tenants facing eviction. She later served as a supervising attorney for the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan, handling a wide range of civil litigation matters. Her work during this period focused on housing court proceedings, welfare rights, and representing clients before various administrative law agencies, establishing a strong foundation in public interest law.

Judicial service

In 1996, Governor George Pataki appointed her to the New York Supreme Court, the state's trial court of general jurisdiction, where she served in New York County. In 2002, she was elevated by Governor Pataki to the Appellate Term, First Department, an intermediate appellate court that reviews cases from the New York City Civil Court and the New York City Criminal Court. Her judicial philosophy is often characterized by meticulous analysis of statutory language and a focus on legislative intent.

Landmark rulings

She authored the groundbreaking 2005 decision in Hernandez v. Robles, which held that New York's Domestic Relations Law violated the New York State Constitution by denying same-sex marriage licenses, marking one of the first major judicial victories for marriage equality in the United States. Other significant opinions include rulings that strengthened tenant rights against landlord harassment and interpretations of the New York State Human Rights Law. Her decisions frequently cite precedents from the New York Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Professional affiliations and recognition

She has been an active member of the Asian American Bar Association of New York and the National Association of Women Judges. Her judicial work has been honored with awards such as the New York State Bar Association's Excellence in Diversity Award and the Judith S. Kaye Judicial Fellowship. She has also served as an adjunct professor at New York Law School and frequently lectures for continuing legal education programs organized by the New York County Lawyers' Association.

Personal life

Residing in New York City, she is married and maintains a commitment to community engagement, particularly with organizations supporting Asian American civic participation and legal education. Her personal and professional life reflects a deep connection to the diverse communities of Manhattan and a sustained dedication to the principles of equal justice under law.

Category:1952 births Category:American judges Category:New York Supreme Court justices Category:Hunter College alumni Category:New York University School of Law alumni Category:Living people