Last week, the state Commission on Judicial Nomination offered 5 recommendations for the seat on the New York Court of Appeals that will be open on January 1, 2008 — when Judge Ciparick’s 14-year term expires.

The choices are:

Judge Carmen Ciparick, who currently sits on the New York Court of Appeals;

George F. Carpinello, a partner in the Boies, Schiller & Flexner;

Jeremy G. Epstein, a partner in the Shearman & Sterling;

Helen E. Freedman, currently a state Supreme Court justice for New York County, Commercial Division; and

Steven C. Krane, partner in the Proskauer Rose law firm.