Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York, writes that over the coming year, we will have many opportunities to strengthen our justice system and our profession—from safely re-starting in-person court proceedings to preparing for an expected surge of pandemic-related litigation to ensuring access to justice for struggling New Yorkers to following through on our shared commitment to ending racism and fostering equal justice under law.

Lawrence K. Marks, Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System, writes: The organized bar must make its voice heard by emphasizing that further cuts in court system resources will devastate the delivery of justice in this state, particularly for economically disadvantaged people who turn to the courts to preserve essential rights and legal protections.

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes that we must be committed to seeing the opportunity that lies within every crisis and making the changes that are sorely needed.

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes that the challenges posed by the pandemic have been substantial, but court staff have stepped up to provide light and hope to those experiencing hopelessness and despair.

Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department, writes: Confronting racism and inequality in our society, our workplaces and in our courts is a substantial and multi-faceted undertaking. But there is no doubt that we must tackle these difficult issues, and there is likewise no doubt that we are capable of doing what we must to bring about a more just court system and society.

Scott M. Karson, President of the New York State Bar Association, describes the association's work on critically important issues and how it was at the forefront of the national discussion.

T. Andrew Brown, President-elect of the New York State Bar Association, writes that the association, through a special task force, has been at the forefront of addressing some of the inequities revealed by COVID-19 and illustrated during the aftermath of the George Floyd killing.

The judges and New York State Bar Association leaders who contributed to our annual special report overwhelmingly cited the death of George Floyd as a pivotal moment in 2020 that prompted calls for change from the bench and bar. Take a look back at some of the images from protests calling for criminal justice reform.

Robert J. Masters, Chair of the Criminal Justice Section, calls for a shared resolve for all practitioners—whether private or public defenders, state or local prosecutors, judges, court staff, as well as all of law enforcement—to make the commitments and sacrifices—as yet unidentified—necessary for us to provide justice for all.

Barry Werbin, Chair of the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section, describes the section's efforts to address critical issues that affected the industries.

Karen Gallinari, chair of the Health Law Section, describes how section members seized the opportunity to address the legal and ethical public health issues that COVID-19 brought front and center, by bringing attention to state action that would ease the challenges of public health emergencies.

Jay L. Himes, Chair of the International Section, describes some of the events planned for the section's virtual program, including a CLE on cross-border litigation and one on diversity; awards and recognitions; and a virtual talent show.

Barbara R. Kapnick, Presiding Member of the Judicial Section, describes how judges have adapted during the pandemic to promote justice, and calls to our attention some key events taking place during the section's virtual program.

Many of the authors who contributed to our NYSBA Annual Meeting special report identify Jeh Johnson's Equal Justice review of court practices and policies as a meaningful step toward diversity and inclusion. Take a look at some of his findings here.

Ira S. Goldenberg, chair of the Real Property Law Section, describes some of the CLE programs the section will present. They will focus on the effects of the pandemic as well as other topics of interest to real estate attorneys.

Terri Mazur, Chair of the Women in Law Section, describes how the pandemic has disproportionately affected women, but that 2021 brings hope as more women than ever will be leaders in our government. She writes that we need to seize upon this momentum to achieve gender equity in the legal profession, to ensure that women lawyers have more leadership roles and opportunities.

The members of the bench and bar who contributed to our NYSBA Annual Meeting special report reflect on the various ways they utilized technology to keep the wheels of justice turning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples included here range from a video arraignment to a virtual swearing-in ceremony.