For more than 125 years, the New York State Bar Association has shaped the development of the law, educated and informed the profession and the public, and responded to the demands of a changing society. Today, with a membership of more than 77,000 lawyers, representing every town, city and county in the state, the New York State Bar Association is the oldest and largest voluntary state bar organization in the nation.

U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland and Chester A. Arthur were two prominent members of the State Bar Association. In addition, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes served as a president of the State Bar. These and other notable Americans have contributed much to the State Bar's history. Its membership has included ranking members of the nation's judicial and legislative bodies who have formulated and endorsed policies which have achieved national and international significance.

Purpose 

The Association's objectives, originally stated in its constitution adopted in 1877, are the same today. They are: to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, professional skill and courtesy in the legal profession. As a link between the state and the individual lawyer, as a force for constructive change, and as a chief exponent of the rights and liberties of the public, the New York State Bar Association stands proud and capable, ready to serve. Through the years the Association has:

• Sought legislation to simplify and update court procedures.
• Been instrumental in raising judicial standards.
• Established machinery for maintaining the integrity of The profession.
• Advocated providing enhanced, voluntary pro bono legal services to the poor.
• Been in the vanguard of efforts to elevate the standards of practice.
• Achieved national recognition for its continuing program of public education.

Structure and Governance

House of Delegates

The control and administration of the NYSBA is vested in the House of Delegates, the decision and policy-making body of the Association. The House meets four times a year (January, April, June and November). Action taken by the House of Delegates on specific issues becomes official NYSBA policy.

At the present time, the House of Delegates is composed of 295 members. A simple representational formula allows many diverse associations of lawyers within the state to be represented in this forum.

Executive Committee

The 27-member Executive Committee has the authority to act and speak for the NYSBA, consistent with previous action of the House of Delegates, when the House is not in session.

The Executive Committee meets quarterly and at other times as necessary. The Executive Committee is composed of the President, President-elect, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Association. In addition, there are vice-presidents from each of the thirteen judicial districts (the 1st district has two vice presidents) in the state and eight members-at-large. The immediate past president is also a member of this body. All officers are elected to serve one-year terms.

Officers

NYSBA officers are elected by the House of Delegates and include the President-elect (who automatically becomes President the year following that of election), Secretary, and Treasurer.

Sections, Committees, and other special groups

The Association's current structure includes 25 specialized substantive law sections, and more than 60 standing, special and other committees. Many of these groups publish material dealing with their field of expertise, much of which is not available through commercial publishers. These units also sponsor conferences, seminars and institutes, monitor legislation, conduct studies and make policy recommendations to the NYSBA House of Delegates. More than 35,000 members serve on Sections, Committees, and other special groups.