January 26, 2010
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP GROWS TO
MORE THAN 77,000
Providing
Valuable Services, Developing Timely Resources to Assist Lawyers
Affected by the Tough Economy Leads to an Increase in Members Joining
the Largest Voluntary State Bar in the Nation
The New York State
Bar Association announced today that its membership has topped 77,000,
growing last year by nearly one-and-a-half percent -- or more than 1000
members. The current membership increase represents the sixth
consecutive yearly increase, dating back to 2004.
State Bar
Association President Michael E. Getnick (Getnick Livingston Atkinson
& Priore, LLP of Utica and of counsel to Getnick & Getnick of
New York City) attributed the increase to a sustained commitment by
State Bar leaders and staff to membership recruitment and retention,
high quality continuing legal education (CLE) programs that cover
relevant and important topics, new and expanded resources to assist
lawyers during the current fiscal crisis, increased focus on advocacy
for the Bar’s legislative priorities at the state and the federal
levels, and efforts that support the right of access to justice and the
ability of the lawyers to practice law.
Getnick cited a number of
specific factors that contributed to the State Bar Association’s
recent – and sustained – growth:
Ø A series of Webcasts
to help lawyers during this difficult economy, covering such topics as
interviewing, resume-writing, and effective use of social media
applications to find employment.
Ø In-depth research
conducted by the State Bar to identify and respond to ever-changing
member needs.
Ø Successful efforts to
recruit non-US attorneys who practice in New York and the related growth
of the State Bar’s International Section, which consists of
chapters in approximately 50 different nations worldwide, including
China, India and Russia.
Ø Continual upgrades of
the Web site to improve access for members with special
needs.
Ø The addition to the
Web site of new resources for solo and small firm
practitioners.
Ø Expanded dissemination of the latest information on membership
benefits, including new health and dental insurance.
Ø Greater networking and professional development opportunities
for attorneys who get involved in the Association.
“I have been
a member of the State Bar Association for nearly 40 years, and I know of
no other organization that offers the vast array of benefits,
professional networking and leadership opportunities, and genuine
collegiality that this Association offers its members,” said
President Getnick. “The fact that our membership grew by more than
1,000 members during the last year, despite an historic downturn in the
economy that has negatively impacted the legal profession, speaks
volumes about the tremendous value that membership in our Association
provides. I want to commend our management team under the direction of
Executive Director Patricia Bucklin and our Membership Committee under
the guidance of Claire Gutekunst for their extraordinary efforts in
marking another successful year.”
Claire Gutekunst
(Proskauer Rose LLP), chair of the State Bar’s Membership
Committee, added, “Reaching 77,000 members is indeed a tremendous
accomplishment that reflects the Association’s continued efforts
to provide valuable benefits and career enhancement services to our
membership. With members based in all 50 states and 108 countries around
the globe, the State Bar Association remains a recognized leader
throughout the world as an excellent resource for attorneys and the
legal profession. I want to thank the Membership Department and the
Association’s many sections and committees for their hard work and
dedication that led to this resounding success.”
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Founded in 1876,
the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the official
statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary
state bar association in the nation. The State Bar’s programs and
activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice
system for more than 130 years. For more information, visit us at our
Web site at www.nysba.org.
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