N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 124

§ 124. Eligibility for appointment. No person, other than one who\nholds such office at the effective date of this act, may assume the\noffice of judge of the family court within the city of New York unless\nhe has been admitted to practice law in this state at least ten years\nprior to the date of such appointment. In making such appointments, the\nmayor of the city of New York shall select persons who are especially\nqualified for the court's work by reason of their character,\npersonality, tact, patience and common sense.\n