On February 4 , 1997 , he was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court by Governor George E. Pataki .
On February 4 , 1997 , he was thereafter was elected to a full 14 - year term .
On February 4 , 1997 , he was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court by Governor George E. Pataki and thereafter was elected to a full 14 - year term .