Justice Cheryl E. Chambers

Over the past year, the Judiciary has confronted many challenges that reinforce the importance of an independent judiciary and the value of working together as members of the Judicial Section to advance fairness, efficiency and justice for all. As members of the judiciary and the bar prepare to gather at the Judicial Section Awards Luncheon during the 2019 New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting, this is an occasion to reflect on the history of the Judicial Section and how the fundamental principles underpinning its formation are still relevant today.

At its Annual Meeting held on Jan. 20, 1923, the New York State Bar Association convened a meeting of judges in the state to obtain their views on the formation of a judicial section. On this question, Justice A.F.H. Seeger remarked: “It is regrettable that so many of the Justices in the State are not acquainted with each other and I think the creation of this Section would tend to bring the Justices nearer together, where they may exchange ideas, experiences and so promote the work and the cooperation of the Bench and the Bar.” The following year, Calvin Coolidge, just five months into his presidency, signaled support for legislation by which the procedure in the federal trial courts would be simplified to expedite the hearing and disposal of cases. Against this backdrop, Association members voted unanimously at the Jan. 19, 1924 Annual Meeting to form the Judicial Section as its first section. The Association had a keen appreciation of the role of the judiciary in advancing affirmative reforms.

The Judicial Section immediately commenced its tradition of providing a forum for constructive dialogue, featuring speakers who explore issues of substantive law, procedure and court administration. The goal of these new convenings was to provide a vehicle for the judiciary to consider and voice its perspectives as well as an opportunity for the Association to gain insights from the judiciary when developing and implementing policy positions. At that time almost a century ago, free speech, worker safety, immigration, gender and race were among the prevalent issues in court cases, the world of politics and the news.

To further the exchange of information and collaboration with the bar, as well as members of the bench, the section created a Council on Judicial Associations in 1971. Composed of the Chair of the Judicial Section and a delegate of each statewide and New York City judges' organizations and representatives from the U.S. District Courts, the Council serves as liaison with these organizations and members of the judiciary, as well as a clearinghouse for bar initiatives and a forum for the exchange of ideas on critical issues affecting the judiciary and the administration of courts.

In keeping with its historical roots and mission, the Judicial Section and the Council of Judicial Associations continues to bring together the most influential judicial and bar leaders to advance our perspectives within and through the New York State Bar Association. Further, we assemble, in New York City at the Judicial Section Luncheon during the Annual Meeting, to recognize distinguished members of the judiciary who have made outstanding contributions to the administration of justice.

During this year's luncheon on January 18, we will honor Hon. Raymond J. Lohier of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; Hon. Alan D. Scheinkman, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department; and Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Third Department.

The luncheon program will feature Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, in conversation with Fordham University School of Law Dean Matthew Diller about new threats to the rule of law and how we can work together speak up for and protect the democratic values that we all hold dear.

The Judicial Section is an ideal place to take on these difficult questions and facilitate practical solutions because we bring together all parties for the sole purpose of advancing the rule of law and improving the judicial system. We believe that together we can make a difference.

Join us for the 2019 Judicial Section Awards Luncheon.

Cheryl E. Chambers is an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department and has served as the Presiding Member of the Judicial Section and the Council of Judicial Associations since June 2018.