Kenneth A. Kanfer Named to Serve on Commercial Part Task Force by Chief Judge Lippman

Kenneth A. Kanfer, a partner at SKHM concentrating in commercial litigation and real estate matters, has been named by New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to serve with other distinguished counsel on a new Task Force which has been established to focus on Commercial Litigation in the 21st Century. The Task Force will be chaired by former Chief Judith S. Kaye, who in 1995 started the Supreme Court commercial division, and Martin Lipton of the firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

Judge Lippman said today during the State of the Judiciary message that the Task Force would seek new legislation to amend the Court of Claims Act to establish a new class of judges who would be drawn from the ranks of “seasoned commercial practitioners” to supplement the commercial division’s roster. “[I]t is time to take a fresh look at ways to enhance our stellar Commercial Division,” Judge Lippman said. “We must seek to create an even more hospitable environment for business.”

Mr. Kanfer is honored by the appointment and looks forward to working with his colleagues to help improve the Supreme Court commercial division.