Amicus-Driven Precedent Shaping

Files amicus briefs in trial and appellate courts on major legal issues affecting criminal defense, including challenges to executive overreach, sentencing disparities, compassionate release rights, and constitutional protections such as the Confrontation Clause and limits on forfeiture.

Organizes a biennial weekend retreat that brings together defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and other legal professionals to discuss issues of concern to the criminal defense bar.

Facilitates informal luncheons for members and invited judges to build relationships and promote collegiality within the legal community.

Operates with a formal leadership structure composed of elected officers and a board of members to govern the organization.

Establishes rigorous membership criteria requiring at least 10 years of legal practice, substantial criminal defense experience, good standing in court, and nomination by a current member, with applications reviewed through a formal process including reference checks and a Board of Directors vote.

Maintains three Liaison Committees that meet periodically with U.S. Attorneys and the District Attorney for New York County to discuss issues of mutual concern and improve professional dialogue.

Conducts panel programs for members and non-members focused on current and significant topics in criminal defense practice and law.

Recognizes outstanding contributions to the defense of liberty and preservation of individual rights by presenting the Norman Ostrow Award annually to a defense lawyer.

Submits formal comments, proposed amendments, and letters to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, rules committees, and other legal policy bodies to influence sentencing guidelines and procedural rules.

Presents the Robert M. Kaufman Memorial Award, Fern Schair Public Service Award, Samuel J. Duboff Memorial Award, and Cyrus R. Vance Tribute to honor individuals for leadership, public service, and contributions to improving the court system in New York State.

Lobbies for legislative and policy changes to strengthen judicial independence, fairness, and efficiency in New York courts, including advocating for cameras in courtrooms, increased Family Court resources, merit-based judicial appointments, and appropriate judicial salaries.

Produces reports, white papers, and position papers on structural reform, transparency, and operational improvements in New York State courts, including a 50-state survey on media coverage in courtrooms and analysis of court system complexity to inform policy recommendations.

Runs a statewide initiative that recruits non-lawyer volunteers to observe court proceedings, documents findings, and publishes recommendations to improve court operations, facilities, and public understanding; has conducted this monitoring for over forty years.

Hosts and co-hosts public educational events on topics such as immigrants in state courts, juvenile justice reform, and the "Raise the Age" initiative to inform the public and influence policy discourse around court reform in New York.

Develops and delivers online training modules for lawyers, judges, and community members across New York State on how family law decisions can adversely affect immigrants, with ongoing education efforts to improve court practices.

Addresses the issue of $1 million+ 'nuclear verdicts' in New York courts by advocating for legal reforms to reduce verdict inflation and its negative impact on the business climate.

Files amicus briefs in legal cases to advocate for business interests and shape judicial decisions affecting New York's economic environment.

Reviews court cases and provides alerts to businesses about potential legal rulings that could impact their operations, industry, or the broader economic environment in New York State.