Henry M. Greenberg of Greenberg Traurig. Photo: David Handschuh/NYLJ.

Henry M. Greenberg, the Greenberg Traurig shareholder who takes over as New York State Bar Association president on June 1, says the organization is launching a national and international drive for members. The effort targets the more than 26,000 admitted New York lawyers who live and work abroad, he said.

Under his leadership, Greenberg said the organization will leverage technology, implement state-of-the-art communications and make membership more valuable to attract both in-state and out-of-state lawyers. Lawyers from overseas who rely on New York State law for international commercial transactions will find the association's services particularly helpful, he said.

In advance of his official swearing-in on June 6, Greenberg answered questions from the Law Journal.

Q: With law firms cutting expenses, how will you demonstrate that membership in NYSBA is essential? How will you get members who are not active to take advantage of their membership?

Membership in NYSBA has always been valuable—for professional development and networking opportunities, top-quality CLE programs, and all the many member benefits that we offer. We envision great potential for membership growth, among admitted New York lawyers who practice across the state, around the nation and internationally. To that end, NYSBA is pursuing a multipronged strategy that leverages technology, implements state-of-the-art communications, and enhances the overall value of our services. We call it “building a virtual bar center,” and its construction is well underway. We are rebuilding our website and the systems that support it. We will make our CLE, publications, books, professional content and other products easier to access and purchase. In short, we will meet our members where they now work and communicate, online and through their electronic devices.

Q: What efforts will you make to increase membership, particularly among diverse lawyers, lawyers with unpopular political views and those employed by midsize and smaller firms?

A: To better serve our current members and attract new and diverse members, we are reinventing the way we deliver products and services while continuing to offer top-quality programs and networking and professional development opportunities. In addition, we are launching a global membership initiative, aimed at growing NYSBA's membership across the nation, and outside of the United States, where over 26,000 New York admitted lawyers reside and practice.

Q: What is your plan for attracting lawyers in specialized fields?

A: NYSBA is already attracting lawyers in specialized fields through our 26 sections. These attorneys know that the sections' specialized content, online communities and opportunities to network and exchange information are unique and valuable resources. Section members also have the opportunity to help shape NYSBA's legislative priorities and participate in advocacy efforts.

Q: What will be your priorities as bar association president? Name ways in which you want to take the bar association in new directions.

A: Over the coming days and weeks, we will announce a number of initiatives that will focus on a range of legal subjects and public policy issues that merit investigation and recommendations for reform. At the same time, we will continuously look for ways to improve the practice of law and guarantee the vitality of the profession. We will ensure that our membership and leadership reflect the immense diversity of our clients, communities and the Empire State.

We will work to close the access-to-justice gap through efficient court reform and support for increased indigent defense funding. We will work with Chief Judge Janet DiFiore to bring the bar and bench together to host a national convocation next year focused on the ways in which our legal profession can engage and work with schools and news media to develop effective strategies and programs to increase the public's understanding of government, our democratic institutions, our courts and the importance of the rule of law.

We will expand NYSBA's international presence by an increased focus on international membership, global events, and recognition of New York State's preeminent place in the global legal and commercial marketplace.

Q: In order to make room for new priorities, it's often necessary to decide what an organization no longer wants to do. What committee, task forces or events should NYSBA disband?

A: This year, we will be taking a deep dive into our internal operation and structure to ensure that they effectively support current priorities. For example, we recognized that our committees relating to communications and publications needed to better reflect the way that our members receive and process information in the digital age.

So, we have created a Special Committee on Strategic Communications that will help us interact with our members, the legal community and the public at large more effectively by coordinating and overseeing internal and external marketing and communications. We have also established a Special Committee on Association Structure and Operations to examine all aspects of NYSBA's organization and governance and to make recommendations on how to make the association function more efficiently as we continue to provide leadership in the legal world in New York State and beyond.

Q: Why did you decide to seek the presidency of the of NYSBA? What in your experience has prepared you for the position?

A: Public service is the highest and noblest calling, and the presidency of the New York State Bar Association presents a unique opportunity to do the public good. Indeed, a great opportunity for public service now presents itself to all lawyers. There are deep divisions and unrest in society and our most vital institutions are subjected to repeated attacks. Never before in my lifetime has the voice of the legal profession been more desperately needed. NYSBA has long been a statewide, national and global leader. The public needs our expertise. It needs our unique gift of seeing both sides of an issue. Most of all, our fellow citizens need lawyers to remind them how the rule of law has kept this nation free for over two centuries.

All of my professional life has been a preparation for this extraordinary opportunity. Over the past 30 years, I have held numerous leadership positions in NYSBA and chaired several committees. I have worked in small, medium-sized and large law offices, served in significant positions in state and federal government, and spent over a dozen years in private practice. And I have worked for the betterment of the legal profession and my community through service on boards, commissions and other bodies. It is the highest honor of my professional life to lead NYSBA in these challenging times.

Q: At the end of your term, how will you judge if it has been a success?

A: NYSBA presidents serve for only one year, which is a short time, but still presents abundant opportunities to make a difference. If at the end of the year I have done everything in my power to support and strengthen lawyers, our justice system and this great bar association, then I will take satisfaction that I gave something back to the profession I love.