SPECULATING ON SUCCESSOR TO ALEXANDER.(Local)

Byline: John Caher Staff writer

With Court of Appeals Judge Fritz W. Alexander II planning to step down in April, court watchers and political observers are speculating over whether Gov. Mario M. Cuomo will nominate a black or Hispanic lawyer to replace the only minority on the state's top court.

Alexander, the first black ever named to a full term on the Court of Appeals, is resigning in April to become deputy mayor of New York City. His resignation sets in motion a lengthy process that, for the lawyer chosen, results in a 14- year term on one of the most highly regarded appellate courts in the nation.

Candidates for the $115,000-a- year post apply …