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January 27, 2012
NEW YORK STATE CONFERENCE OF BAR LEADERS RECOGNIZES
FOUR BAR ASSOCIATIONS FOR INNOVATION
Programs providing free legal services to the poor, immigrants and
domestic violence victims -- as well as a program offering mentoring for
young lawyers -- have been recognized for their innovative approaches to
helping people.
The New York State Conference of Bar Leaders, sponsored by the State
Bar Association, has honored four bar associations with its 2011 Bar
Leaders Innovation Awards. The awards recognize exemplary and creative
programs sponsored during the past year by local, ethnic, specialty,
minority and women's bar associations.
"We are pleased to recognize these outstanding programs, and we
commend the attorneys who give of themselves to help their communities
and one another," said Earamichia Brown of New York City (MTA Office of
the Inspector General), chair of the conference's Executive Council.
The winners will receive their awards on January 27 during the Bar
Association's Annual Meeting in New York City. They are:
New York County Lawyers Association (large bar
category, more than 2,000 members): The association's mentoring program
helps young lawyers through one-on-one mentoring with experienced
attorneys. It also offers customized continuing legal education
programs, pro bono opportunities and networking events.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (medium bar
category, 500 to 2,000 members): The immigrant assistance program serves
undocumented individuals throughout New York City with general
immigration clinics, representation of unaccompanied minors and
representation of detained individuals.
Adirondack Women's Bar Association (small bar
category, fewer than 500 members): The Pro Bono Domestic Violence Legal
Project provides free legal assistance to domestic violence victims on
civil matters, such as matrimonial law and bankruptcy. Its goal is to
enhance community-based services to low-income individuals in rural
areas.
Nigerian Lawyers Association (small bar category,
fewer than 500 members): The pro bono legal assistance program provides
low- and medium-income New York City residents free advice on their
legal rights and on navigating the complex system for accessing social
services. Clinics are held in conjunction with civic and religious
groups.
The New York State Conference of Bar Leaders is a semi-independent
organization sponsored by the State Bar Association. It addresses
leadership and management issues, and serves as an information conduit
to unite the more than 150 bar associations statewide.
Founded in 1876, the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is
the largest state voluntary bar association in the nation.
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