New York State Bar Association Recognizes Judges for Promoting Pro Bono Representation

ALBANY, NY (10/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Five judges will be honored by the New York State Bar Association at an October 18 event that kicks off National Pro Bono Week (October 20–26, 2013). The event, "Recognizing Judges Who Support Pro Bono and Access to Justice Initiatives," will be held at the State Bar Center in Albany.

"During National Pro Bono Week, we shine a light on attorneys who do the public good through their volunteer legal services for the poor. This year, we also recognize five judges who have facilitated the excellent work done by pro bono lawyers in bankruptcy cases, landlord/tenant matters and domestic violence disputes, " said State Bar President David M. Schraver of Rochester (Nixon Peabody). "I congratulate the judges for their efforts to ensure justice for all."

The honorees are:

Hon. George B. Ceresia, Jr., justice of the Supreme Court, Rensselaer County, is being honored for leading pro bono and access-to-justice initiatives while serving as the administrative judge for the Third Judicial District.

Hon. Christine M. Clark, justice of the Supreme Court, Schenectady County, is being recognized for her willingness to refer domestic violence victims to The Legal Project for pro bono assistance and making the program's brochures available in her courtroom.

Hon. Robert E. Littlefield, Jr., chief judge, U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of New York, is being honored for strong support and encouragement of pro bono work by bankruptcy attorneys.

Hon. George H. Lowe, retired, U.S. magistrate judge, is being recognized for his role as co-chair on the State Bar Association's President's Committee on Access to Justice and lifelong support of initiatives to expand access to justice.

Hon. Gary F. Stiglmeier, Albany City Court, is being honored for his leadership role in establishing the Attorney–for-the-Day Program, which provides low-income tenants facing eviction a consultation with a pro bono attorney during their first appearance in Housing Court.

The American Bar Association (ABA) established National Pro Bono Week in 2009 to support local efforts to expand the delivery of pro bono legal services, recognize the significant efforts of pro bono attorneys and showcase the tremendous difference that pro bono lawyers make to our system of justice, our communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve.

The 76,000-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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