Former City Bar President
Debevoise & Plimpton

Since its inception 150 years ago, the City Bar has remained true to the mission of its founders, a group of lawyers who came together during the infamous reign of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall to restore the integrity and independence of the judiciary, fight corruption in government, and promote the rule of law. During the 125th Anniversary, which I was privileged to be part of and seems only minutes ago in this long history, I said, “If Central Park can be said to be the lungs of New York, the Association of the Bar is its conscience.”

Ever since, the City Bar has worked to promote the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and access to justice for all. It supports excellence and the highest ethical standards among its members and throughout the profession. Working through its many committees with now over 24,000 members, often in partnership with other organizations, the City Bar offers ongoing legal education programs, access to the largest private law library in the country, continually updated in this digital age, and works for greater diversity and inclusion in the profession. When its members enter its landmark house the City Bar insists that they leave their own economic interests and those of their clients outside the door.

Working in many other ways to serve the greater community, the City Bar provides many outstanding pro bono programs and offers its superb legal referral service. During the horror of those days after the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center, lawyers rushed to the City Bar as the place to mobilize their efforts to help those so terribly impacted and most in need. Just one example, among many, of its commitment to public service.

True to its founders, the City Bar promotes and recommends improvements in the law, integrity in government and the judiciary, and human rights around the world. Because the City Bar speaks with courage, reason and independence, its voice continues to be highly respected and has a strong impact locally, nationally, and internationally.