Professional Community as Catalyst

Engages in education and advocacy efforts to promote professional integrity, address injustice, and strengthen the administration of justice within the legal profession.

Collaborates on events such as the Out for Business Happy Hour to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion and professional networking within the legal field.

Provides peer support for lawyers experiencing depression through recurring virtual meetings held every Tuesday and Friday at noon via Zoom.

Facilitates weekly in-person Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for members of the legal profession every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at St. Louis Church in Buffalo, NY.

Hosts and co-hosts CLE events and educational updates on topics such as federal practice, labor and employment law, and federal habeas immigration litigation to support professional development among attorneys.

Offers intervention, monitoring, and counseling services for substance use disorders and mental health issues among legal professionals.

Publicly acknowledges law firms and partner organizations that contribute to the mission of attorney professional development through sponsor listings and recognition programs.

Provides programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills among legal practitioners.

Advances jurisprudence, protects the administration of justice, and upholds high professional standards for the federal judiciary through institutional leadership and programming.

Lobbied for the establishment of law clerks for federal district judges and the adoption of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and adopted resolutions on matters of professional integrity, such as opposing the removal of Jewish lawyers in Romania in 1938.

Created and maintains the Second Circuit Pro Bono Manual, an online resource offering legal guidance, case law, and strategy for pro bono attorneys handling civil pro se cases.

Funds historical exhibits, lectures, educational programs, and publications through the Federal Bar Foundation to support legal education and public engagement.

Organizes annual events including the Fall Bench & Bar Retreat, Winter Bench & Bar Conference, Law Day Dinner, and Thanksgiving Luncheon to foster interaction among judges, attorneys, and legal professionals.

Runs an American Inn of Court program and a Pro Bono Advisory Panel to promote professional relationships, mentorship, and skills development among judges, lawyers, and pro bono attorneys.

Presents the Learned Hand Award, Emory Buckner Medal, Whitney North Seymour Award, Thurgood Marshall Award, and Cornelius W. Wickersham, Jr. Awards annually to recognize excellence in federal jurisprudence, public service, pro bono work, and law student achievement.

Organizes and delivers continuing legal education programs on topics including anti-money laundering, federal rules updates, artificial intelligence, and criminal law, with unlimited free access for members.

Offers skills-based training programs in deposition and trial advocacy using the NITA interactive method in small-group settings to enhance legal practice capabilities.

Produces and distributes the Federal Bar Council Quarterly, The Second Circuit Redbook, and a coffee table book on Second Circuit courthouses to inform members about judicial developments, court information, and legal history.