FORMER FEDERAL JUDGE LORETTA PRESKA HONORED WITH NY STATE BAR AWARD FOR DISTINCTION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

ALBANY, NY (01/23/2017)(readMedia)-- Loretta A. Preska, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is the 2017 recipient of the Distinction in International Law and Affairs Award given by the International Section of the New York State Bar Association.

The award recognizes those who have made a major contribution to international peace, understanding and democracy. Preska received the award on January 23 at the Association's Annual Meeting in New York City.

"Before, during, and after her tenure as chief judge, Judge Preska has decided many cases with international implications," said International Section Chair Neil Quartaro (Watson Farley & Williams). "These cases have ranged from the prosecution of Somali pirates to resolving international discovery. It is fair to say that Judge Preska has a well-earned reputation as a thoughtful and considerate judge."

Preska was selected by President George H.W. Bush in 1992 for a seat on the the U.S. District Court for the Southern District. She served as the court's chief judge between 2009 and 2016.

Before her time as judge, she worked in private practice as a federal litigator from 1973 to 1992, initially with Cahill Gordon & Reindel and then with what is now called Winston & Strawn.

Preska earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and an LL.M from New York University School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Saint Rose.

Note: photos of the event are available to the news media upon request.

The 72,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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