As the nation experiences a period of self-examination in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody in Minnesota, the newest leader of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association said the organization remains committed to equal justice under the law.

"This current moment sparked by an unnecessary and brutal death has forced many to reckon with what has long been true—that communities of color in the United States experience a world fraught with danger on an almost daily basis. NYSTLA as an organization remains steadfast and resolute in its commitment to equal justice under the law," said Edward Steinberg, who became the organization's first leader to be sworn in virtually Tuesday night.

Steinberg became the 53rd NYSTLA president, as he took the reins from immediate past president Michele Mirman of Mirman, Markovits & Landau.

Edward Steinberg

"As trial lawyers, we must all work hard to always protect the innocent, prove the wrongdoing and demand nothing less than 100% justice," Steinberg said in his remarks. "We are at a crossroads as a society. All of us are empowered with the individual ability to change and work to make things better. This is a time for exceptionalism."

The event also included keynote remarks by State Senate Judiciary Chairman Brad Hoylman and American Association for Justice President Bruce H. Stern. The state's Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks presided over the ceremony.

"Both in New York and in Washington D.C., there have always been and continue to be big, powerful special interests that seek to deprive consumers of access to our courts. Attorney advocates, both through our legislative priorities and our casework, remain the strongest bulwark against greed and negligence," said Stern.

Prior to becoming the president of NYSTLA, Steinberg was one of the youngest members to serve on its board of directors. He has also served on the board of the New York State Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association, and been counsel to the non-profit Brain Injury Society.

Steinberg also announced that Leav & Steinberg LLP would sponsor membership dues for up to six months for NYSTLA members needing financial assistance as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The organization says it has been committed to working with the Office of Court Administration to keep the courts accessible and protect New Yorkers' legal rights during the crisis.