Created in 1974, The Fellows of the New York Bar Foundation are members of the bench and bar who are recognized for outstanding professional achievement, for dedication to the legal profession and for commitment to the organized bar.

Each Fellow makes a commitment to financially support the goals and objectives of The Foundation through charitable contributions. Fellows also assist the Board in identifying potential grant projects and other causes that may benefit from The Foundation’s assistance.

The following is The Foundation’s definition of a Fellow:

A Fellow understands that the law is a learned occupation and is inescapably a public calling. A Fellow appreciates that the combined professional effort of all lawyers nurtures and sustains the rule of law and American democracy. A fellow strives to develop, uphold and maintain these core values of the profession.

A Fellow embraces lawyer independence, ethical behavior, self-renewal, competence, responsibility, an appreciation for the historical continuity and tradition of the profession, and respect for clients, adversaries and the courts.

A Fellow acknowledges that the practice of law is a helping profession and that attorneys, as custodians of the legal system, have enhanced obligations of service to the community, to the profession, and to promote justice through the rule of law.

An individual is nominated to become a Fellow by a Director on the Board of The Foundation or by a member of The Fellows and is elected by the full Board. The number of Fellows is limited under The Foundation Bylaws to one percent of the New York State Bar Association membership in each of the state’s 12 judicial districts plus 100 at-large members.

OFFICERS OF THE FELLOWS
Chair of The Fellows: Susan B. Lindenauer, New York City
Vice Chair of The Fellows: James B. Ayers, Albany

The Chair and Vice Chair of The Fellows hold Ex Officio seats on The Foundation’s Board of Directors.

DISTRICT CHAIRS
Each of the 12 judicial districts across the state is represented by a District Chair to further enhance the visibility of The Fellows and The Foundation and to assist with fundraising endeavors. Several districts are represented by Co-Chairs.

LEARNED HAND CIRCLE - $50,000 PLEDGE
Requires a minimum gift of $5,000 each year until pledge is fulfilled

THURGOOD MARSHALL CIRCLE - $25,000 PLEDGE
Requires a minimum gift of $2,500 each year until pledge is fulfilled

BENJAMIN N. CARDOZO CIRCLE - $10,000 PLEDGE
Requires a minimum gift of $1,000 each year until pledge is fulfilled

CHARLES EVANS HUGHES CIRCLE - $5,000 PLEDGE
Requires a minimum gift of $500 each year until pledge is fulfilled

MARYANN SACCOMANDO FREEDMAN CIRCLE -
$3,000 PLEDGE
Requires a minimum gift of $300 each year until pledge is fulfilled

Click here to learn more about the Circles.