New York State Bar Association – Message from the Chair

Read the entire article: TrialLawyersDigest-Fall

The past year has certainly been tumultuous, both at home and abroad. With the emergence of economic strife, the continuity of foreign conflict and a historic yet divisive battle for the presidency, many still find comfort in the stability and respect offered by our civil justice system. Increasingly, Americans feel powerless as they watch their retirement funds disappear, their mortgages go into default and their loved ones being sent into harm’s way; but even the most marginalized victim can take solace when bringing a personal controversy for redress in the courts. The availability of a chance for justice is the promise of our nation and, for the most part, it has been kept. But promises must be safeguarded, renewed and expanded. That is the concern of every American and, particularly, that of the trial lawyer.

The Trial Lawyers Section maintains its strong commitment to promote improvements in the system that is our livelihood. Our members, made up of plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys in various specialties, have continued their dedicated service to the profession through participation in committees, programs and events, and the submission of commentary on legislative proposals affecting the rights of our clients. While many bemoan how partisan our government has become, in contrast, our Section recognizes that attorneys on opposite sides of litigation remain comrades in the ongoing battle to preserve entitlements and dignity within our society. The old joke that one attorney in a town can’t make a living but two can make a nice living applies equally to the securing of justice…