The NYSBA Committee on Attorney Professionalism is soliciting nominees for the Annual New York State Bar Association Attorney Professionalism Award.  This award honors an attorney who evidences the highest attributes of professionalism in the practice of law.  The Committee's working definition of attorney professionalism is as follows:  "Attorney professionalism is dedication to service to clients and a commitment to promoting respect for the legal system in pursuit of justice and the public good, characterized by exemplary ethical conduct, competence, good judgment, integrity and civility."

The OCBA Governance Committee will be meeting on September 17, 2007 for the purpose of making a recommendation to the OCBA Board of Directors with respect to a worthy candidate for this award and welcomes your input.

Recommendations of nominees for consideration must be forwarded to Ellen S. Weinstein, chair of the Governance Committee (eweinstein@pinskyskandalis.com) prior to September 16, 2007 and should specify, in 500 words or less, how the nominee has demonstrated the following attributes:

• Dedication to service to clients and always acting in the best interests of the client;

• Civility: behaving to all with courtesy, consideration and respect;

• Exemplary ethical conduct: endeavoring at all times to fulfill the spirit, and not just the requirements, of the Code of Professional Responsibility

• Competence: keeping abreast of the latest developments in his or her area of practice;

• Good judgment: providing client service consisting of discerning opinions and advice based upon knowledge, experience, moral as well as legal considerations;

• Mentoring, educating and assisting other attorneys; and

• Integrity: always exhibiting soundness of character, fidelity, honesty and fairness.

2008 Award for
Excellence in Public Service

In recognition of excellence by a member of the legal profession in the commitment to and performance of public service, the New York State Bar Association is soliciting nominees for its 2008 Award for Excellence in Public Service.  The OCBA Governance Committee will be meeting on September 17, 2007 for the purpose of making a recommendation to the OCBA Board of Directors with respect to a worthy candidate for this award.

Eligibility:  All lawyers presently active in governance service or related public service are eligible for nomination.  The nomination may recognize an individual attorney or the collective work of an office and may cover service during the past year or a career's contributions.

Criteria: Individuals (or office) “must epitomize a commitment to the highest and noblest calling afforded by the legal profession: to preserve and protect the public.  Their efforts must demonstrate a commitment to service, honor and integrity.”

OCBA welcomes your input.  Recommendations of candidates for consideration must be forwarded to Ellen S. Weinstein, chair of the Governance Committee (eweinstein@pinskyskandalis.com) prior to September 16, 2007 and should include the name and contact information of the nominee; period(s) of public service, the name of the departments or agencies in which he or she has served and/or is currently serving; specific contributions of the nominee that you think warrant his/her selection; and the name of the “nominator”, if not self-nominated.