Queens Bar Groups Release Judicial Candidate Ratings
The New York City and Queens County Bar Associations assessed candidates for the November general election.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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The New York City Bar Association and the Queens County Bar Association have issued formal ratings for 15 judicial candidates running in the November general election. The assessments provide voters with evaluations regarding each candidate's legal experience and professional record.
Why it matters
These evaluations are designed to help voters navigate the judicial ballot by offering independent insight into a candidate's temperament and legal background. The process aims to ensure the public understands the qualifications of those seeking seats on the bench.
Of the 15 judicial candidates reviewed for the upcoming election, eight received qualified ratings from both bar associations. The screening process relied on professional questionnaires and interviews with the candidates and their former colleagues.
The players
New York City Bar Association
This voluntary professional association of lawyers provides judicial candidate evaluations to assist the public during local election cycles.
Queens County Bar Association
This legal organization represents attorneys in Queens and contributes to the oversight of judicial qualification standards in the borough.
Edwin Novillo
A judicial candidate who achieved the approved rating from the New York City Bar Association and the well qualified rating from the Queens County Bar Association.
Oma Phillips
A judicial candidate who received the approved rating from the New York City Bar Association and the qualified rating from the Queens County Bar Association.
Gail Adams
One of the judicial candidates who was found not approved by the New York City Bar Association in the latest round of rankings.
The details
Candidates undergo a rigorous review process involving a questionnaire detailing their legal work history and education. The bar associations also conduct interviews with the applicants and legal professionals who have worked alongside them to determine their fitness for office.
Timeline
The bar association ratings were released on October 27, 2026.
The general election for judicial candidates is scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
The rating release follows the standard oversight framework mandated by New York State judicial election protocols to ensure transparency. While bar associations provide these assessments, opposition candidates sometimes argue that these ratings reflect subjective institutional biases rather than purely legal merit.
Voters can use these ratings to compare the professional backgrounds of candidates before heading to the ballot box in November. Understanding these evaluations helps residents identify which candidates possess the legal experience needed to serve in Supreme Court or Civil Court vacancies.
The takeaway
Voters should review these bar association ratings alongside their own research to make informed decisions for local judicial seats. Checking a candidate's background and peer evaluation is a practical way for citizens to participate in the selection of the local judiciary.
Further reading
Find more information on local races and candidate screening processes in our New York City Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Queens Daily Eagle.
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