Meet the IG
On April 22, 2008, Governor David A. Paterson announced his selection of the Honorable Joseph Fisch as New York State Inspector General. Justice Fisch’s appointment became effective May 15, 2008.
Prior to becoming Inspector General, Justice Fisch served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the Criminal Term, Bronx County. He was appointed in 2003 after serving as a Justice of the New York State Court of Claims since 1990. There, he was designated an Acting Supreme Court Justice and assigned to the Criminal Term, Bronx County. Justice Fisch also served on the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics.
After his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1956, Justice Fisch served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, including a stint in the Judge Advocate General’s Office, stationed in Frankfurt. Justice Fisch began his legal career in 1959 at the New York State Commission of Investigation, which investigates the conduct of public officers. During his 18 years at the Commission, Justice Fisch served as a Law Assistant, Assistant Counsel, Chief Counsel, and Deputy Commissioner.
In 1977, Justice Fisch became the First Assistant District Attorney at the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. He was later promoted to Chief Assistant District Attorney, serving in the highest position to the District Attorney until 1984. He returned to the Queens District Attorney’s Office as Executive Assistant District Attorney from 1987 to 1990.
Justice Fisch has also served as a Deputy Inspector General and General Counsel at the Office of the Inspector General of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as Executive Director of the Office of Professional Discipline with the New York State Education Department. Just prior to his appointment to the Court of Claims, Justice Fisch served as Deputy District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
Justice Fisch received his Bachelor of Arts from New York University in 1953, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
In announcing Justice Fisch’s selection as Inspector General, Governor Paterson stated: “Judge Fisch is one of New York’s top jurists and I couldn’t be more pleased that a leader of his caliber has decided to take on such a critical watchdog role. He brings an impressive mix of legal, law enforcement and government experience.”