News and Events

Urgent Action Needed: Sign the Petition to Stop Diversion of IOLA Funds

Sign the letter and read our press release below

Add your individual and organization’s name to the Lawyers’ Letter of Concern Re Proposed Diversion of IOLA Funds. 

Click here for more information and read various statements

 


Installation Reception and Dinner - February 29, 2024


Forum on the Constitutional Cap of NYS Supreme Court Justices

Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86470700486?pwd=6mOzD8Yj3LJIf6NBgnIHKV3SzQaHSq.1
 
Meeting ID: 864 7070 0486
Passcode: 132962
 


Holiday Happy Hour

RSVP HERE

Thank you for joining us. Photos from the event are located here at this link

 

 


Network of Bar Leaders Statement condemning Hamas’ Massacre of Jews

On October 7, 2023, on the Jewish sabbath and while families came together to commemorate the end of the Jewish high holidays, cowardly Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel by air, land, and sea, causing unprecedented death and destruction among Israeli civilians. In what is the largest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, Hamas massacred Israeli, American and foreign nationals, all of whom are innocent civilians, including those attending a music festival, on the street, and in their homes. In fact, Hamas has murdered the citizens of 23 countries, including 25 American citizens.  
 
Horrendous images and video footage circulating show innocent civilians being shot, raped, tortured, beheaded, mutilated, kidnapped, and even burned alive, many of the victims being babies, children and the elderly, including Holocaust survivors. Children were forced to watch their parents’ throats being slit, young women were raped in front of their husbands, then murdered, their bodies publicly desecrated, with the terrorists recording and sending videos of all of this to the victims’ grief-stricken families.  
 
As of today, the death toll exceeds 1,300, with those wounded exceeding 3,000 and over 150 people held hostage, including in Gaza where Hamas is using them as human shields, in violation of international law. The deaths are sadly expected to climb as more and more bodies are discovered, as hostages are executed and as more of the injured succumb to their wounds. As part of the violence, Hamas also indiscriminately launched over 5000 rockets into Israeli population centers, causing even more destruction. 
 
Hamas’ barbaric attacks were designed to spread fear and terror. Regardless of one’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, acts of terror such as these are NEVER justified. These brutal acts are not only morally reprehensible but are also a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and international norms. They are an affront to humanity and must not go unpunished. 
 
As a coalition of over 50 bar associations in the New York metropolitan area, the Network of Bar Leaders has a special duty to promote, support, and protect human rights, the rule of law and international law. The Officers and Executive Council of the Network of Bar Leaders therefore join President Biden, Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams and the civilized world in unequivocally condemning these atrocious acts of antisemitism and fully stand behind Israel and the Jewish people worldwide during this difficult time. We extend our condolences to the families of all those butchered in this abhorrent attack on civilians and pray for the safe return of all those captured.  
 
To the extent it has not already been done, we also urge each and every member bar association of the Network that believes in basic human rights and dignity to swiftly issue similar, unqualified condemnations of the terror being perpetrated against Israel and the Jewish people.  We further wish to acknowledge and recognize the New York State Bar Association’s strong condemnation of these atrocities. Finally, we urge all of our member bar associations to encourage lifesaving donations for the injured victims, including to the Israeli Red Cross (Magen David Adom). Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg is matching all donations to the organization: DONATE HERE
 
Thank you and please stay safe in these difficult times.
 
Michael Kohan, President, Network of Bar Leaders


Announcing Officers and Executive Council for the 2023-2024 Term

Dear Network Members, 

Thank you for joining us at our elections. The following Officers and Executive Council were voted in for the 2023-2024 Term: 

Officers 
President – Michael Kohan, Queens County Bar Association  
First Vice President – Yacine Barry-Wun, New York Women’s Bar Association 
Second Vice President – Margaret T. Ling, Asian American Bar Association of New York 
Treasurer – Jennifer Frankola Crawford, Brehon Law Society of New York  
Secretary – Natoya L. McGhie, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association 

Executive Council 
Domenick Napoletano, Brooklyn Bar Association 
Ronald Katter, Jewish Lawyers Guild 
Inie Park, Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Hon. Jeffrey Levin, New Rochelle Bar Association 
Anthony Perrotto, LGBT Bar Association 
Vincent Chang, New York County Lawyers Association
Fay Parris, Queens County Women’s Bar Association

Denisse Mira, Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Eve Cho Guillergan, New York City Bar Association

We are also pleased to announce the creation of a Leadership Advisory Council to be chaired by William F. Dahill of the Federal Bar Association – SDNY Chapter. 

Kenneth Litman of the Nassau Lawyers Association of LI will be joining us as a Special Project Liaison to the President. 

Thank you again for your participation. 

Sincerely, 

Eve Cho Guillergan
President, Network of Bar Leaders 


CLE - Handling Domestic Violence Cases: Perspective from Various Practitioners, the Court, and Resources

We are proud to co-sponsor Queens County Women’s Bar Association’s program Domestic Violence Cases: Perspective from Various Practitioners, the Court and Available Resources. The Network of Bar Leaders is also donating $250 to the Queens Family Justice Center.

RSVP HERE


Meet and Greet Reception with the Honorable Hilary Gingold, NY County Surrogate - POSTPONED

 

This event has been postponed. We will let you know of a new date. 

RSVP HERE.   

D


Holocaust Remembrance Program

The Network of Bar Leaders is pleased to co-sponsor a Holocaust Remembrance Program. This is open and free to the public. RSVP HERE. 

Holocaust Remembrance 2023


Network of Bar Leaders Presidents' Dinner & Honorable Harold Baer Jr. Award Reception

 Thank you to our sponsors! We are at capacity. More Information. 

See here for photos from our annual dinner at this link


Network of Bar Leaders Celebrates Women's History Month

Please join us for Women’s History Month. RSVP HERE. 

Women's History Month Celebration


Join us for a Black History Month: Celebration of Judicial Excellence

RSVP HERE


Meet-and-Greet Reception of Bar Leaders (Photos)

Thank you for joining us at our reception and installation ceremony. We were very pleased to host leadership from over 30 bar associations.

View more photos here


Meet-and-Greet Event and Reception

RSVP HERE 


Congrats to the Officers and Executive Council for the 2022-2023 Term

The Network of Bar Leaders is pleased to announce the results of the election of officers and Executive Council for the 2022-2023 Term:

Officers

President – Eve Guillergan, New York City Bar Association
First VP – Yacine Barry-Wun, New York Women’s Bar Association
Second VP – Margaret T. Ling, Asian American Bar Association of New York
Treasurer – Michael Kohan, Queens County Bar Association
Secretary – Natoya L. McGhie, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association

Executive Council

Gloribelle J. Perez, Dominican Bar Association
William F. Dahill, Federal Bar Association – SDNY Chapter
Domenick Napoletano, Brooklyn Bar Association
Ronald Katter, Jewish Lawyers Guild
Inie Park, Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Hon. Jeffrey Levin, New Rochelle Bar Association
Antony Perroto, LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York 
Denisse S. Mira, Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Meredith R. Miller, Immediate Past President (Ex-Officio)

Congratulations!


Network Co-Sponsors the Fourth Annual Reception in Honor of 1886 Columbia Law School Grad Hong Yen Chang, the First Chinese American Lawyer

RSVP Here. 


Network of Bar Leaders Sponsors Event with the National Latina/o Law Student Association


Network of Bar Leaders Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Multiple Bar Associations


Meeting with Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary for Bar Association Officers

Bar Officers RSVP Here


Network of Bar Leaders Presidents’ Dinner & Judge Harold Baer Jr. Award Reception 2022 (photos)

For all photos click here.

 


Information about Part 36 Appointments and the Guardianship Diversity Initiative

Please join us for this information session. Space is very limited.

ADVANCE RSVP REQUIRED. 

RSVP HERE. 


Cultivating Leaders to Stand Against Hate

Please join us for this program on cultivating leaders to stand against hate. This is particularly important during this time in light of racially motivated attacks against many groups. RSVP here

 


Network of Bar Leaders Co-Sponsors a Holocaust Remembrance Program


Network of Bar Leaders Presidents' Dinner & Judge Harold Baer Jr. Award Reception 2022

Please join us at our Presidents’ Dinner and Judge Harold Baer Jr. Award Reception. RSVP HERE. 

Download the program.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT – 5/20/2022 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Gold Sponsor:

  • Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
  • Metropolitan Black Bar Association 

Silver Sponsor:

  • Asian American Bar Association of New York
  • Eve Guillergan
  • Jewish Lawyers Guild
  • New York City Bar Association 

Friends of the Network:

  • Law Office of Bridgette Y. Ahn
  • Jennifer Frankola Crawford & Jared Crawford
  • Raymond J. Dowd, Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP 
  • Taa Grays
  • Katter Law Firm 
  • Daniel Marotta, Gabor & Marotta LLC 
  • Miller Law PLLC
  • Ashvini Persaud, Friend, Law Banking Professional

Bar Association Sponsors:

  • Armenian Bar Association
  • Brandeis Association
  • Brehon Law Society
  • Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association
  • Bronx County Bar Association
  • Dominican Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association – EDNY Chapter
  • Federal Bar Association – SDNY Chapter
  • Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York
  • Hispanic National Bar Association, Region II
  • LGBT Bar Association of Greater NY
  • Nassau County Bar Association 
  • New Rochelle Bar Association
  • New York County Lawyers Association 
  • New York Women’s Bar Association
  • Puerto Rican Bar Association
  • Queens County Bar Association
  • Queens County Women’s Bar Association
  • South Asian Bar Association of New York
  • South Asian & Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens

(List as of 5/20/2022) 

 


Business Meeting of the Network of Bar Leaders and a Presentation on the Ukraine Crises


Women's History Month with MBBA: Privacy from Different Perspectives - EU & US

https://mbbanyc.org/ Network of Bar Leaders Co-Sponsored Event with MBBA for Women’s History Month


Law Student Mentoring Event on March 31, 2022

Please join us for our Law Student Mentoring Session on March 31 with AABANY. RSVP HERE. 

Law student mentoring event invitation


Fireside Chat with Manhattan DA Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.

Please join the Network of Bar Leaders, Federal Bar Association SDNY Chapter, WCBA, and MBBA in commemorating Black History Month as we celebrate history-making attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. — a son of Central Harlem, the first African American and the fourth person to ever be elected as Manhattan’s District Attorney in 80 years. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired as Mr. Bragg shares his incredible career journey in this fireside chat. RSVP HERE. 


Join us for the CLE Ensuring DEI in NY's Cannabis Industry

Please join us for the CLE Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in New York’s Cannabis Industry on Thursday, February 22, 2022, at 6:00 pm. One DEI CLE credit will be issued. RSVP HERE. 


America’s Lawyers on Voting and the Rule of Law: Nine Principles – Sign the Pledge

Voting rights lie at the core of our American democracy, and legal professionals are uniquely suited to preserve and promote those rights in service to the rule of law. Strong voting rights mean that all eligible voters are encouraged and able to vote in free and fair elections, and that those elections are administered in a nonpartisan manner before, during and after the voting. The New York City Bar Association has authored the Nine Principles for America’s Lawyers, and to provide an opportunity for legal professionals of good conscience and whatever political leaning to come together and reaffirm a core set of rapidly-eroding democratic values.

The Network of Bar Leaders invites you to sign this pledge in support of the Nine Principles, and to join the City Bar and others in lifting the voices of our colleagues around the country.

NY Diversity Equity & Inclusion Neutral Directory Published

New York, January 10, 2021 – The Network of Bar Leaders together with the New York City Bar Association ADR Committee and the New York State  Bar Association Dispute REsolution Section and partner bar associations are committed to increasing the selection of ADR professionals from historically underrepresented communities. To promote this goal, the partnering bar associations have created the New York Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Neutral Directory (“NY DEI Neutral Directory).  

The directory is a list of ADR professionals who self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community including but not limited to: a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as having a disability, or identify as a woman. Individuals seeking ADR professionals can search the directory alphabetically, by practice area, by language ability, and by other self-identifying characteristics. Individuals who wish to be included in the directory must be members of one of the partnering bar associations, and have filled out the Directory Questionnaire which is available here: https://bit.ly/3d1Nn3q Inclusion in this directory does not imply endorsement or recommendation by any organization.

Directory Partners include the following bar associations: The Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association of New York, The Bar Association of Erie County, The Brehon Law Society, Caribbean Attorney Network, Dominican Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, New York Chapter, LGBT Bar Association of New York, Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, The Network of Bar Leaders, New York County Lawyers Association, Rochester Black Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association of New York, Puerto Rican Bar Association, Westchester Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.

The NY DEI Neutral Directory is available online here: https://bit.ly/3o7XOcf

 


Support for Amici Curiae Brief by AABANY and KALAGNY

AABANY and KALAGNY would like your organization to support an Amici Curiae brief in the matter of Byung Choon Joe v. New York. Please find a copy of the brief here. The brief doesn’t address the merits of the personal injury action but raises concerns about the trial judge’s reference to the Plaintiff-Appellant being “Korean born.” Please find attached a sample support letter that your organization may submit. The letter will need to reach the  NY Supreme Court, Appellate Division – Third Department by January 10 when the oral argument takes place. We suggest that the letter be submitted no later than Thursday, January 6 so that it may reach the panel on time.  
Download: Sample letter

Network of Bar Leaders Joins the Guardianship Diversity Initiative

The Network of Bar Leaders joined the New York Women’s Bar Association with their Guardianship Diversity Initiative: Introduction to various Counties Guardianship Benches. The initiative seeks attorneys of diverse backgrounds for Article 81 Guardianships. Learn about the role of attorneys in these proceedings from judges and practitioners from various counties and how adding guardianship to your practice could enhance it.  

Download: Guardianship flyer

Download: Bronx flyer


Affinity Bar Leaders Meeting to Discuss Racial Equity in NYS Courts

The New York City Bar Working Group on Racial Equity in NYS Courts hosted a joint remote meeting with the National Center for State Courts and various stakeholders in the NY State Court System on October 14, 2021 (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM). The Network of Bar Leaders was  pleased to assist with this initiative.

We invited leaders of the affinity bar associations to participate in this meeting.  The  collective input is important and improving diversity, equity and inclusion in our state court system has been an increasingly continuous concern at the forefront over this past year. Our hope is that by continuing to have open, transparent discussions we can continue this momentum and provide productive input while also serving as a collective pipeline to the community.

The meeting included: (1) Judge Edwina Mendelson, head of the Office of Justice Initiatives, (2) Tony Walters, head of the Office of Justice Initiatives, along with Rena Micklewright (3) Sherrill Spatz, the Inspector General and Kay Ann Porter, Inspector General of Bias Matters (4) Justice Shirley Troutman and Justice Troy Webber, the two chairs of the Williams Commission (5) Judge Lillian Wan, head of the Asian Judges Association (6) Judge Verna Saunders, head of the Judicial Friends Association and (7) Judge Walter Rivera, President of the Latino Judges Association. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Vidya Pappachan, a member of the NYC Bar’s Council on Judicial Administration and Chair of the Working Group on Racial Equity in NYS Courts by e-mail to Vidya.Pappachan@gmail.com or to Network of Bar Leaders President Eve Guillergan at eve@knowyourvisa.com.


Letter to the Merit Selection Panel, Southern District of New York

The Network of Bar Leaders joined the Federal Bar Association’s Southern District of New York Chapter in writing the attached letter to the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel about the lack of diversity among magistrate judges in the SDNY.  Please read the letter dated August 4, 2021. 

Download: Letter to the Merit Selection Panel, Southern District of New York


Join the Directory of Neutrals from Underrepresented Communities

The Network of Bar Leaders is pleased to join other bar associations in an effort to increase the selection of ADR professionals from historically underrepresented communities. To promote this goal, we have collaborated with the other groups in an effort to compile a directory of association members who are ADR professionals and self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community including but not limited to: a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as having a disability, or identify as a woman. 

This directory is being built in partnership with the following bar associations: Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association of New York, Bar Association of Erie County, Brehon Law Society, Caribbean Attorney Network, Dominican Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, New York Chapter, LGBT Bar Association of NY, Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, New York County Lawyers Association, Puerto Rican Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association of New York, Westchester Bar Association, NYC Bar Association ADR Committee, and the New York State Bar Association ADR Section. 

If you are a member of a partnering organization and self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community and wish to be included in the directory, please fill out the following survey on or before July 23, 2021.  Please reach out to Eve Guillergan, eve@knowyourvisa.com if you have any questions. 


2021-2022 Induction and Installation of Officers and Executive Council

Thank you for joining us at the induction and installation of officers and executive council, which took place at the Korean American Association of Greater New York’s Museum of Korean American History on September 13, 2021. The installation was performed by the Hon. George B. Daniels, and we were joined by a distinguished guest speaker, the Hon. Diane Gujarati.  

 

 


The Network of Bar Leaders Induction & Installation


Directory of Neutrals from Underrepresented Communities

The Network of Bar Leaders is pleased to join other bar associations in an effort to increase the selection of ADR professionals from historically underrepresented communities. To promote this goal, we have collaborated with the other groups in an effort to compile a directory of association members who are ADR professionals and self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community including but not limited to: a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as having a disability, or identify as a woman.  If you are a member of a partnering organization and self-identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community and wish to be included in the directory, please fill out the following survey on or before July 23, 2021. If you are representing a bar association interested in joining as a partner to this initiative, please contact Robyn Weinstein at robyn_weinstein@nyed.uscourts.gov or Catherine Carl at ccarl@nysba.org.


New Member Bar Associations

The Network is also pleased to announce two new member bar associations.   Last week, we warmly welcomed the Nassau County Bar Association and the Jewish Bar Alliance.  Earlier this term, we also welcomed the American Foreign Law Association and EDNY Chapter of the Federal Bar.

The Nassau County Bar Association (“NCBA”) was founded in 1899. It is the leading source for legal information and services for the legal profession and the local community in Nassau County. NCBA enjoys a membership of private and public sector attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students.

The Jewish Bar Alliance is an umbrella group of local Jewish bar associations, including Jewish Lawyers Guild, the Justice Brandeis Society 9th JD, the Queens Brandeis Association, the Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County and the Brooklyn Brandeis Society.

Founded in 1925, the primary purpose of the American Foreign Law Association has been to promote the understanding and application of foreign, comparative and international law, to cooperate with other professional organizations involved in such fields and to support relevant legal research and writing.

The Eastern District Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law, with a focus on the Eastern District, which is comprised of Kings, Richmond, Queens, Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

Welcome to all!


Congrats to the Officers and Executive Council for the 2021-2022 Term

The Network of Bar Leaders is pleased to announce the results of the election of officers and Executive Council for the 2021-2022 Term:

Officers

President – Eve Guillergan, New York City Bar Association
First VP – Yacine Barry-Wun, New York Women’s Bar Association
Second VP – Margaret T. Ling, Asian American Bar Association of New York
Treasurer – Michael Kohan, Queens County Bar Association
Recording Secretary – Edwina F. Martin, Staten Island Women’s Bar Association
Corresponding Secretary – Denisse S. Mira, Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Executive Council

Gloribelle J. Perez, Dominican Bar Association
William F. Dahill, Federal Bar Association – SDNY Chapter
Domenick Napoletano, Brooklyn Bar Association
Ronald Katter, Jewish Lawyers Guild
Natoya L. McGhie, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association

Inie Park, Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York
Hon. Jeffrey Levin, New Rochelle Bar Association
Shain Filcher, LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York

Meredith R. Miller, Immediate Past President

Congrats to all!


April 12, 2021 at 6pm: Join Us for a Conversation about Diversifying the Magistrate Bench

Join the Network of Bar Leaders and Southern District of New York Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for a Conversation About the Role of Bar Leaders in Diversifying the Federal Magistrate Bench

On Monday, April 12, from 6:00pm-7:00pm

 We will provide a brief overview of the Magistrate Judge selection process and then open the floor for discussion about ideas for the role of bar associations in diversifying the bench.

Open to all bar association leaders.

Please contact NetworkofBarLeaders [at] gmail [dot] com for zoom link and password.  Or check your email from the Network for the complete event information, including zoom link.


March 5, 2021 at 8:30am - Join the Network of Bar Leaders for a Discussion with the Honorable Edwina G. Mendelson

Join the Network of Bar Leaders for a Conversation with the Honorable Edwina G. Mendelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, Office for Justice Initiatives

Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Mendelson will discuss institutional racism and implicit bias in the court system and the work to be done to implement the recommendations of Special Adviser Jeh Johnson in his October 2020 report. Among other duties, Judge Mendelson leads the Equal Justice in Courts Initiative, which is tasked with implementing the recommendations of in the Johnson Report.

On Friday, March 5th , from 8:30am-9:30am

Open to Bar Association Leaders

Email networkofbarleaders[at]gmail.com for the zoom link and password.


Join the Network of Bar Leaders for a Social Hour, Informal Discussion and Information Sharing Session

Join the Network of Bar Leaders for a Social Hour, Informal Discussion and Information Sharing Session

On Wednesday, September 30th, from 5pm-6pm

Facing COVID-19 Challenges:

Bar Leaders Share Their Experiences, Ideas and Plans

for Hosting a Virtual Annual Gala

Many bar associations depend on an annual gala or other large gathering to raise funds for their operations.  Given the current climate and uncertainties, we are not able to hold these events in person and are not able to plan too far in advance.  We invite the leaders of our member bar associations to join us in a facilitated discussion about their experiences, ideas and plans for holding these events online (or simply cancelling them), and how to still successfully fundraise and engage members.

No Registration is Required.

To participate in the conversation on Zoom:

Join by link: https://zoom.us/j/8989638697

Join via Meeting ID: 898 963 8697

(No password is required).

 

We look forward to seeing you then!


Network of Bar Leaders Resolution on Justice in Policing, Passed on June 17, 2020

RESOLUTION OF THE NETWORK OF BAR LEADERS

In support of Proposed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and End Qualified Immunity Act

June 17, 2020

WHEREAS, The Network of Bar Leaders (the “Network”) is a coalition of approximately 50 member bar associations dedicated to bringing together leadership of the various bar associations of the greater New York Metropolitan area;

WHEREAS, the Network includes each of the five county bar associations, numerous citywide and statewide specialty groups, specialty bar associations dedicated to every field of practice, as well as ethnic and religious bar associations and is, therefore, the New York legal community’s most diverse institution;

WHEREAS, Article VII(2) of the Network’s bylaws provides a procedure for passing consensus resolutions, which reflect the opinions of the designated bar leaders present and voting, and is not necessarily reflective of the opinions or views of the Network’s member bar associations; 

WHEREAS, the current and sustained calls for racial justice demand the support and action of leaders in the legal profession;

WHEREAS, studies have shown that black and indigenous people of color are disproportionately victims of excessive force at the hands of law enforcement;

WHEREAS, according to a National Academy of Sciences study, black men are two-and-a-half times more likely to be killed by law enforcement over their lifetime than white men, and the same study indicated that, over the course of their lives, approximately one in every 1,000 black men can expect to be killed by police;[1]

WHEREAS, for there to be equal access to justice and for our civil society to be based on the true administration of justice, citizens must be able to hold law enforcement accountable in court for misconduct, and should not be barred from recovering damages when police violate their constitutional rights; and

WHEREAS, for law enforcement to build trust with communities, discriminatory profiling must be prohibited, transparency must be improved through data collection, and police training and policies must be reformed; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Network fully supports the goals of the pending bills, Justice in Policing Act of 2020,[2] introduced in the United States House of Representatives and in the Senate on June 8, 2020, and End Qualified Immunity Act, introduced in the United States House of Representatives on June 4, 2020,[3] which aim to hold law enforcement accountable in court for misconduct, improve transparency through data collection, and reform police training and policies.

[1] Frank Edwards, Hedwig Lee, and Michael Esposito, Risk of being killed by police use of force in the United States by age, race–ethnicity, and sex (Aug. 5, 2019), https://www.pnas.org/content/116/34/16793.

[2] See https://judiciary.house.gov/uploadedfiles/justice_in_policing_act_of_2020.pdf?utm_campaign=2926-519

[3] See H.R. 7085 – https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7085


The Network’s Commitment to Racial Justice

Dear Bar Leaders,

In the wake of George Floyd’s horrifying and tragic death, our members’ bar organizations have shared statements renewing their commitment to racial justice and calling on us as lawyers to lend our talents to heal our country’s deep wounds.  From the Jewish Lawyers Guild to the Asian American Bar Association of New York to the LGBT Bar Association to the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and many other vital bar associations too numerous to list, the messages have been moving.  They have brought a glimmer of hope in a very distressing time.

The Network is the New York legal community’s most diverse coalition, one that stands ready to use its unique position to amplify all voices.  We stand ready to connect our diverse membership and mobilize for the structural changes required to achieve racial justice.

Thank you all for your service, your leadership and your commitment to building a more just society.

In solidarity,
Meredith R. Miller
President, Network of Bar Leaders


2020-2021 Election Results

Congratulations to the Incoming Leaders of the Network of Bar Leaders (effective July 1, 2020)

The final meeting and election for the 2020-2021 term was conducted online via zoom.  Thanks to everyone who participated. 

In light of the disruption due to Covid-19, the Nominations Committee recommended that the officers and executive council members from the 2019-2020 term continue for another year, with one change.  Jason Clark, outgoing president of the MBBA, will rotate off the executive council and Anta Cisse-Green, incoming president of the MBBA, will assume his seat.  Thank you Jason for your service.

Congrats to the officers and executive council members for the 2020-2021 term:

President
Meredith R. Miller | Member Organization: LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York

First Vice President
Yacine Barry-Wun | Member Organization: New York Women’s Bar Association

Second Vice President
Eve Guillergan | Member Organization: New York City Bar Association

Treasurer
Michael Kohan | Member Organization: Queens County Bar Association

Recording Secretary
Edwina F. Martin | Member Organization: Staten Island Women’s Bar Association

Corresponding Secretary
Denisse Mira | Organization: Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Executive Council

Gloribelle Perez, Dominican Bar Association
William F. Dahill, Federal Bar Association
Domenick Napoletano, Brooklyn Bar Association
Ron Katter, Jewish Lawyers Guild
Margaret Ling, Asian American Bar Association of New York
Anta Cisse-Green, Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Hon. Jeffrey Levin, New Rochelle Bar Association
Tanya Blocker, Association of Black Women Attorneys

Bridgette Y. Ahn, Immediate Past President (Mandatory Position)


May 27: Join the Network of Bar Leaders for a Webinar on Bar Survival, Officer Elections and a Virtual Happy Hour

Learning, Sustaining and Embracing the New Normal During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Bar Leaders Share Their Strategies for Overcoming the Current Challenges

Bar leaders face unprecedented challenges in the face of the current health epidemic.  Leaders from several of our member bar associations discuss their strategies for providing advocacy and legal education, membership engagement and communications, and fundraising.

May 27 at 4pm

Webinar: 4pm-5pm

Officer Election and Virtual Happy Hour: 5pm-6pm

Moderator:

Bridgette Ahn, Past President, Network of Bar Leaders, Past President, Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York

Panelists:

Irene Angelakis, President, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association

Jason Clark, President, Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Margaret Ling, Development Director, Asian American Bar Association of New York

Bret Parker, Executive Director, New York City Bar Association

**To attend, please register here. <https://tinyurl.com/NoBLWebinar>

A link will be emailed to all who register before the program begins.  You must register to receive the link.

To participate in the Network of Bar Leaders officer election for the 2020-2021 term by online vote, one representative from each organization that is a current, dues paying member may vote any time before 5pm on May 27th here. <https://tinyurl.com/NoBLVote2020>


CANCELLED: Join Us on June 25th for the Network Annual President's Dinner

Given the current uncertainties, the Network has cancelled its annual dinner.  We are already planning the dinner for 2021, and look forward to gathering then.
 
Please join the Network of Bar Leaders for our annual President’s Dinner on June 25 at 6pm at the National Arts Club.  The program includes: wine and beer reception, plentiful buffet dinner and dessert, remarks by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Lizbeth Gonzalez (App. Div. 1st Dep’t), as well as presentation of awards to bar association presidents.
 
Bar Association sponsorships are $150 and include 2 tickets, president’s award and recognition as a bar association sponsor.  Individual tickets are $65.  Space is limited.
 
There is also an opportunity to be a Friend of the Network for a donation fo $250 or more, which includes recognition in the event marketing, program and during the dinner, as well as a limited edition Network of Bar Leaders lapel pin.
 
We hope you will join us.
 
Special thank you to bar associations and friends that have already committed to supporting the event:
 
Friends of the Network (as of 3/6/2020):
  • Dunnington, Bartholow & Miller LLP
  • Katter Law Firm
  • Miller Law, PLLC
  • Mark S. Gottlieb, CPA PC
  • Big Apple Abstract Corporation

Bar Association Sponsors (as of 3/6/2020):

  • The New Rochelle Bar Association
  • SDNY Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
  • LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York
  • New York City Bar Association
  • Dominican Bar Association
  • Asian American Bar Association of Greater New York

Presentation of the Honorable Harold Baer Jr. Award to the Honorable Denny Chin

Thanks to all who joined us to present the Honorable Harold Baer Jr. Award to the Honorable Denny Chin, United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.