|
|
 |
| The President's Page |
Bernice K. Leber
-web3.jpg) |
|
Bernice K. Leber
|
New York attorney Bernice K. Leber is the New York State Bar
Association’s 111th President. A litigator and partner at Arent
Fox LLP, Leber concentrates on the prosecution and defense of complex
civil business disputes, with an emphasis on those involving securities,
financial and intellectual property. Leber assumed office on June 1,
2008.
Leber received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College
and earned her law degree from Columbia University School of Law.
As President, Leber’s priorities will focus on protecting
lawyers and their clients from attacks on their privacy; the creation of
a Task Force to address the growing number of wrongful criminal
convictions throughout the state; improving the conditions at
courthouses across the State; enhancing the special needs of small firms
and solo practitioners; and compiling a new report on global warming
that will include a blue print with recommendations about what New
Yorkers can do to mitigate the effects of global climate change.
In addition, she has pledged to continue initiatives already underway,
such as the Association’s Membership Challenge, increased funding
for civil legal services, and efforts to ensure that New Yorkers have
the right to counsel in civil matters.
Continue
reading Bernice K. Leber's biography.
|
|
| Presidential Initiatives |
New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox
LLP) of New York City has adopted the theme "Helping Lawyers, Helping
Clients" for her 2008-2009 Presidential term. As part of her efforts she
has established several task forces and special committees to address
specific needs in the legal community. For more information on these
important Presidential Initiatives please visit the individual Web sites
for each group by clicking the names below.
|
|
- Privacy Initiative Task Force
The Privacy Initiative Task Force is charged with identifying discrete
areas of privacy for lawyers and those they represent (businesses and
individuals) concerning the Internet, health and financial
information.
|
|
|
- Task Force on Global Warming
The Task Force on Global Warming will address the profound impact
climate change is having on our natural environment and ecosystems. The
task force will identify specific areas of legal reform needed to combat
global warming, with an eye toward educating policy-makers and the
broader public about its far-reaching effects.
|
- Task Force on the State of Our
Courthouses
Courthouses have a direct impact upon peoples’ lives, the delivery
of justice, the rule of law and the legal profession. The Task Force
will examine a number of elements relating to courthouses and will
present a report with its findings and recommendations.
|
- Task Force on Wrongful Convictions
This blue ribbon task force will study the systemic, procedural and
statutory causes that contribute to wrongful convictions and propose
solutions to this growing problem. The Task Force is comprised of
distinguished jurists, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, members
of law enforcement, good government groups and leading members of
academia.
|
|
|
|
| News Releases |
 | May 29, 2009 - New York State Bar Association Endorses Legislation That Would Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions By the Year 2050 | | May 26, 2009 - New York State Bar Association Applauds President Obama's Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for U.S. Supreme Court | | May 13, 2009 - State Bar Association Applauds Assembly for Passage of Legislation to Extend Legal Protections for Same-Sex Couples | | May 5, 2009 - Brooklyn's Madeleine Brennan Named "Educator of the Year" by State Bar Association's Law, Youth & Citizenship Program | | May 4, 2009 - Court Approves $1.2 Million Distribution in Tenant Screening Class Action | | May 1, 2009 - State Bar President Leber Calls on Legal Community to Continue Its Mission of Service to the Public | | April 30, 2009 - 350 Lawyers Attend New York State Bar Association's Free Webcast Series to Help Lawyers in a Down Economy | | April 29, 2009 - State Bar Association Announces 2009 Pro Bono Service Award Winners | | April 21, 2009 - State Bar Association's Radio Campaign Addresses Ways to Improve the Quality of Life for New Yorkers | | April 7, 2009 - State Bar Association Responds to Fatal Shooting in Binghamton | | April 6, 2009 - New York State Bar Association: Governor Can Implement Global Warming Recommendations Now | | April 3, 2009 - State Bar Association Applauds Approval of Rockefeller Drug Law Reform | | March 13, 2009 - State Bar President Bernice K. Leber Calls on State Senate to Support Rockefeller Drug Law Reform | | March 13, 2009 - New York State Bar Association Launches New Blogs | | March 2, 2009 - New York State Bar Association Task Force on Global Warming Calls for Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Greenhouse Gases | | February 24, 2009 - New Report Shows Identification Procedures & Government Practices Are Leading Causes of Wrongful Convictions in New York State | | February 23, 2009 - NYSBA Resolution Urging President Barack Obama to Guarantee the Rights of Detainees is Adopted by ABA House of Delegates | | February 13, 2009 - State Bar Responds to Continental Airlines Plane Crash Near Buffalo | | February 11, 2009 - State Bar Association Commends State Senate Confirmation of New Chief Judge Lippman | | February 10, 2009 - State Bar Association Announces New Mortgage Foreclosure Education Program to Assist Homeowners |
|
|
|
| Messages from the Journal |
May 2009
The Year in Review | March/April 2009
A Gold Medal Career, An Agent for Change: Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr. | February 2009
Win, Win, Win, Win, Win | June 2008
"Helping Lawyers, Helping Clients" to be theme of 111th President's term |
|
| Speeches, Testimony & Interviews |
NYSBA President Bernice Leber Speaks on Reformed Rockefeller Drug Laws
During an interview on WIBX Radio (AM 950) covering Oneida County and the Mohawk Valley, President Leber spoke about the history of the Rockefeller drug laws and their recent reform. | Transcript of Wrongful Convictions Hearing
This hearing took place at the State Bar Center on February 24, 2009. | Radio Interview with WFUV on Wrongful Convictions
President Leber outlines how New York State can save money by reducing the number of wrongful convictions | Transcript of Wrongful Convictions Hearing
This hearing took place at the New York City Bar Association on February 13, 2009. | Transcript of 2009 Presidential Summit
To view the Webcast of this event please visit Summit Webcast | President Leber's Testimony at the Joint Legislative Hearing on Proposed 2009-2010 NYS Executive Budget
| Radio Interview with WBFO-AM 88.7 Buffalo
President Leber's radio interview with WBFO-AM 88.7 Buffalo on Gov. Paterson's Appointment of Judge Lippman as Chief Judge | President's Remarks to the House of Delegates November 1, 2008
| Statement Before the New York State Senate Democratic Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform
This testimony was given on July 2, 2008, in New York City. State Senators Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan/Bronx), Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) and Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan), Assemblymembers Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan), Rory Lancman (D-Queens) and Ellen Young (D-Queens), and leading criminal justice advocates took part in a public forum to address wrongful convictions and the creation of an independent “Innocence Commission” in New York State. |
|
|
|
