April 1, 2021

The New York Women’s Bar Association mourns the loss of our respected and beloved member, Hon. Paul G. Feinman, Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, who passed away on March 31, 2021. In addition to being a brilliant and knowledgeable jurist, Judge Feinman was widely known for his kindness, his compassion, and his ability to inspire others.

Judge Feinman began his legal career as a Staff Attorney with the Appeals Bureau of the Legal Aid Society. He later became Law Clerk to Hon. Angela M. Mazzarelli. Judge Feinman was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 1996, and to the Supreme Court for the First Judicial District in 2007. He was appointed to the Appellate Division, First Department in 2012 and then to the New York Court of Appeals in June 2017.

Judge Feinman dedicated his professional life to public service and promoting the fair administration of justice. Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Feinman demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and commitment to justice and equality for all. He was a celebrated champion of LGBTQ rights, who served as a mentor to countless judges, attorneys, and law students. Judge Feinman performed key leadership roles in several professional associations. He was a Past President of the International Association of LGBT Judges and Past President of the Association of Supreme Court Justices of the State of New York. He was also a Past President of the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGAL), which, in 2018, presented him with its highest honor for his lifetime of service.

The NYWBA mourns his passing as a tremendous loss and will endeavor to pay tribute to his legacy. He has left the court system and New York’s legal community better for having had the benefit of his extraordinary contributions.

Our deepest condolences are extended to Judge Feinman’s husband Robert Ostergaard, his family, his friends, and his colleagues.