Hon. Francis A. Nicolai is an Italian American jurist, respected community leader, and beloved friend of CLAW.
A graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, he served with honor in Greenland, Italy, and Vietnam before earning his law degree from New York Law School, with admission to the Bar in 1971. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he practiced law in Westchester and Rockland Counties until 1982, when Nicolai was appointed to an interim County Court Judgeship by Governor Hugh Carey. He was reappointed in 1983 and elected to a full term the following year. In 1990, he was elevated to Justice of the Supreme Court, Ninth Judicial District. He was later appointed as Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District in 1998. Judge Nicolai oversaw the courts of the region with distinction. From 2009 until his retirement, he served as Presiding Justice of the Appellate Term for the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts.
A lifelong resident of Westchester County, Judge Nicolai takes great pride in his Italian American heritage, which has guided his lifelong commitment to family, service, and community. Judge Nicolai has been honored by various Italian American organizations, including the CLAW, as a recipient of the Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award. Additionally, CLAW awards a scholarship each year to an Italian American law student, named after our esteemed colleague, Judge Nicolai.
When asked, he mentioned that his heritage holds great significance to him, which is why he is so involved in the Italian American community. Judge Nicolai has been active in several organizations including Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Mt. Pleasant Italian American Association, and the Italian American Forum.