Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Judiciary

On January 2, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Ali Najmi, a prominent civil rights and election attorney, as the Chair of the newly revitalized Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. This initiative aims to reform the judicial selection process, enhancing transparency and accessibility for all New Yorkers. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the importance of a judiciary that reflects the city's diversity and administers the law impartially, stating, “While the judicial branch plays a crucial role in our democracy, it is often inaccessible and shrouded in secrecy.”

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the JudiciaryMayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York CityProminent civil rights attorney Ali Najmi will chair Judiciary selection committee

The Mayor's executive order mandates the Advisory Committee to engage a broad spectrum of the legal community, including public defenders and those involved in indigent legal services. The committee will be responsible for publishing demographic data on judicial applicants and creating a searchable database for New Yorkers to track upcoming judicial appointments. This effort is designed to ensure that the judicial system is more representative of the 8.5 million residents of New York City.

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the JudiciaryMayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York CityProminent civil rights attorney Ali Najmi will chair Judiciary selection committee

The appointment of Najmi has garnered positive responses from various legal organizations. Juval O. Scott, Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders, remarked on the critical nature of judicial appointments, stating, “In the Bronx, we see every day how a single arrest or court appearance can upend a person’s life, their family, and their future.” Twyla Carter, Attorney-in-Charge and Chief Executive Officer of The Legal Aid Society, praised Najmi's extensive experience, noting that his background in defense and civil rights law will contribute significantly to ensuring fairness and access to justice within the judicial system.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York City

Ali Najmi is recognized for his advocacy in civil rights and has previously served as the founder and President of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens (SAICBAQ). His efforts have been instrumental in diversifying the judiciary in Queens by supporting the election of qualified candidates. Najmi is also affiliated with several bar associations, including the New York City Bar Association and the Muslim Bar Association of New York.

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the JudiciaryMayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York CityProminent civil rights attorney Ali Najmi will chair Judiciary selection committee

The revitalization of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary under Ali Najmi's leadership marks a significant step toward a more transparent and inclusive judicial selection process in New York City. The committee's initiatives aim to demystify the judiciary and ensure that it reflects the diverse population it serves, thereby promoting a fair and equitable legal system for all New Yorkers.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York City

• “A fair and equitable legal system is determined by our judges. I am committed to making our judicial selection process more transparent and inclusive to ensure that all 8.5 million New Yorkers see themselves reflected on the bench,” — Ali Najmi, Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Judicial Reform Committee in New York City

• “His experience as a member of the defense bar representing justice-involved New Yorkers will help ensure that the bench reflects a deep understanding of the rights of all New Yorkers, particularly those who rely on robust criminal defense.” — Twyla Carter, Attorney-in-Charge and Chief Executive Officer of The Legal Aid Society

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary