When Sharon Stern Gerstman, the New York State Bar Association's new president, appeared before the organization's nominating committee, she quoted the Jewish sage Hillel to describe the approach she would take as president:

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I?” Hillel said.

For Gerstman, that ancient teaching resonates in the aftermath of the 2016 election, when more and more lawyers are stepping forward to protect the rights of immigrants, minorities, the press, LGBTQ people, veterans and others.