Justice Cheryl E. Chambers, President of The New York Bar Foundation Report to the House of Delegates June 7, 2025

 

It is a privilege to share an update on the important and growing work of The New York Bar Foundation.

Before beginning my report, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen Sweet on becoming President of the New York State Bar Association. I look forward to working together—both as fellow leaders in this Association and as partners committed to advancing justice and service across our profession.

As we all recognize, this is a pivotal time in history. Economic, social, and political shifts are reshaping the legal landscape. Headlines from every outlet reflect the justice challenges we face.

Advancing the Rule of Law and Access to Justice

We are witnessing unprecedented litigation, along with pressure on the judiciary, law firms, and the legal profession at large. These are dynamic times for all of us.

Amid these complexities, it is essential to remember that many New Yorkers still lack access to the legal assistance they need. As government programs contract and support systems recede, the Foundation’s mission becomes ever more urgent.

One of our core principles is the advancement of the rule of law. And the rule of law is not merely a theoretical construct—it is the cornerstone of a democratic society. It ensures accountability, equality, and fairness.

Access to justice lies at the heart of this vision. People—regardless of income or background—deserve legal representation, a voice in the process, and the ability to hold decision-makers accountable.

The Power of Philanthropy and Partnership

Through our support of civil legal service providers—made possible by contributions from individual members, family foundations, and sections of this Association, particularly the Family Law, Business Law, and Dispute Resolution Sections—we are creating a powerful multiplier effect.

We are expanding access to justice across New York State and investing in the legal profession’s future—through scholarships and fellowships that empower the next generation of legal leaders.

As members of the House of Delegates, you are also members of the Foundation. You are among our most valued allies, advocates, and ambassadors. We want you to understand not only what we’re doing, but why this work is so critical. It’s not only meaningful—it’s urgent.

At the Foundation, we transform these principles into action. Our grants to nonprofit legal service providers help deliver justice where it is most urgently needed. And with your continued support, our impact reaches every corner of the state.

Foundation Leadership: Continuity, Commitment, and a Clear Vision for the Year Ahead

As the Association transitions its leadership on June 1, so too does the Foundation. I am deeply honored to continue serving as President of The New York Bar Foundation. At a time when our mission has never been more critical, I embrace this opportunity with renewed energy, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to expanding access to justice. Together, with an exceptional team of officers, directors, and staff, we will continue to deepen the Foundation’s impact and build on its legacy of service.

I am joined by a dedicated team of returning officers whose leadership and service have been instrumental to the Foundation’s growth and impact:

• Pamela McDevitt (Albany), Secretary
• Lucia Whisenand (Syracuse), Assistant Secretary
• Susan Lindenauer (New York City), Chief Publicity Officer

I am also pleased to introduce our newly elected officers:

• Vice President: James Kobak — Former partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed for 35 years and the firm’s first General Counsel. A Visionary Circle Fellow—our highest giving level—Jim is also a past President of the New York County Lawyers Association and currently chairs the National Center for Access to Justice. His expertise in litigation and public policy is a tremendous asset to the board.
• Treasurer: William Russell — After serving as Assistant Treasurer, Bill now steps into the role of Treasurer. He leads the Bankruptcy & Restructuring Litigation Practice at Simpson Thacher and is also a Visionary Circle Fellow. Bill serves on the board of the National Center for Access to Justice and was recently named Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Board of Directors. His financial expertise and professional leadership will strengthen our stewardship.
• Assistant Treasurer: Ellen Makofsky — Founder of the Makofsky Valente Law Group, Ellen focuses on elder law and estate planning. A Thurgood Marshall Circle Fellow and former Secretary of the Association, her longstanding commitment to serving vulnerable communities is fully aligned with our mission.

I am equally excited to welcome five outstanding new directors to the Board:

• Ross Kartez — Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, Ross specializes in complex commercial dispute resolution. A Foundation Fellow and member of the Campaign Executive Committee, his leadership and innovation are already making an impact.
• John Nonna — Westchester County Attorney and Learned Hand Circle Fellow. John brings decades of experience in both public service and private practice, particularly in civil rights and litigation.
• Kimberley Wolf Price — Chief Strategy Officer and Diversity Officer at Bond, Schoeneck & King. A Foundation Fellow and Campaign Executive Committee member, Kimberley is a trailblazer in DEI initiatives and brings essential insight to our work.
• Salman Ravala — Partner at Criscione Ravala, with a diverse legal practice including nonprofits and dispute resolution. A Maryann Saccomando Freedman Circle Fellow and active NYSBA member, Salman’s collaborative approach is a great addition to the board.
• Sherry Levin Wallach — Deputy Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County and past Association President. A Thurgood Marshall Circle Fellow and member of the Campaign Executive Committee, Sherry’s unwavering dedication to criminal defense, reform, and the mission of the Foundation continues to be an inspiration.

Congratulations to all our new officers and board members. I look forward to working with you.

Grant Impact and the Next Generation of Legal Leaders

This year, the Foundation awarded $668,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across all 12 Judicial Districts of New York State. These grants are expanding access to justice in critical areas—from housing insecurity to domestic violence support.

We also awarded $279,000 in fellowships and scholarships, strengthening our investment in the next generation of public interest lawyers.

Among our growing list of named funds is the Norman Effman Fund, recently established through the generosity of Retired Judge Michael Mohun. It supports law students pursuing careers in rural legal service.

Scholarships
Intellectual Property Law Section Diversity Committee Miriam Maccoby Netter Scholarship
Local and State Government Law Section Carol Van Scoyoc Municipal Law Scholarship
The Honorable Joel K. Asarch Elder Law and Special Needs Section Scholarship
Elder Law and Special Needs Section T. David Stapleton Memorial Scholarship
The Honorable Judith S. Kaye Committee on Children and the Law Scholarship
The Judge Bernard S. Meyer Scholarship
The Norman Effman Scholarship
The Real Property Law Section Lorraine Power Tharp Scholarship
The Real Property Law Section Melvyn Mitzner Scholarship

Fellowships
Antitrust Section Law Student Fellowship
Diversity Summer Fellowship in Health Law
Jana Springer Behe Corporate Counsel Section Fellowship
Kay Crawford Murray Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Diversity Fellowship
The Honorable Charles L. Brieant, Jr. Fellowship
Trusts and Estates Law Section Fellowship

Why does this matter? Because investing in legal education is central to the Foundation’s mission. These fellowships and scholarships improve access and inclusion, reduce financial barriers, and build essential skills. They promote social justice, provide mentorship, and open pathways to meaningful careers. They help ensure that our profession remains strong, diverse, and rooted in service.

Spotlight on the Catalyst Fellowship Program

The Catalyst Fellowship Program supports first-year law students with public sector summer placements, encouraging careers in public interest law. Fellows gain hands-on experience and access to a strong mentoring network.

Since its launch 10 years ago, the Catalyst Fund has awarded 453 fellowships across all 15 New York State law schools—distributing more than $2 million in stipends, thanks entirely to donor contributions.

Each Catalyst Fellowship supports summer legal work at a nonprofit, court, or government agency that serves those without access to representation. These placements provide real-world perspective and foster long-term commitments to justice.

Reflections from the Court of Appeals: A Catalyst Mentorship Moment

This past Thursday, as part of our mentorship programming, we hosted a virtual gathering with Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and other members of the Court of Appeals. While Fellows typically visit the courthouse in person, the court’s schedule this year necessitated a virtual format.

The Fellows heard directly from Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Associate Judges Michael Garcia, Anthony Cannataro, and Madeline Singas about their professional journeys and dedication to public service.

Dennis Glazer, husband of former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and a key organizer of the Catalyst Program, shared its origin story. After serving as District Attorney of Westchester County, Chief Judge DiFiore donated approximately $1 million in unspent campaign funds to the Foundation to launch the Catalyst Fellows Program.

The judges reflected on the values that shape their work. It was an inspiring and affirming moment for the students.

[An excerpt from the recorded meeting was played.]

A Force for Justice: Campaign Update

To sustain and grow our impact, the Foundation launched the Force for Justice Campaign in October 2023.

We are still in the quiet phase, but I’m pleased to report that we have reached 42% of our fundraising goal, with over 100 donors already engaged. We’re now preparing a series of cultivation events and a matching gift campaign to expand our donor base.

To learn more or become involved, please reach out to Deborah Auspelmyer, Foundation Executive [email protected], or Danielle Holland, Director of Development. [email protected]

Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary

This year marks a major milestone: the Foundation’s 75th Anniversary. We will celebrate on Friday, November 7th, at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The 75th Anniversary Gala will be a powerful evening of community, celebration, and purpose—bringing together leaders from across the profession in support of our mission.

We thank our early sponsors for making this event possible, including:

Patron

• Empire Valuation
• Farrell Fritz, P.C.

Guardian

• Grassi Advisors and Accountants
• Greenfield Stein & Senior LLP
• Rivkin Radler, LLP
• Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.
• Webster Bank

In Appreciation

In closing, I want to recognize a remarkable leader and colleague, David Schraver, who is concluding his term as Vice President of the Foundation.

A past President of the Association, Dave has brought strategic insight, sound judgment, and heartfelt commitment throughout his nine years on the Board. We are pleased to present him with a small token of appreciation and are grateful he will continue to serve as Chair of our Finance Committee.

To everyone here: thank you. Your leadership, partnership, and belief in the Foundation’s mission make everything we do possible.

Wishing you a restful weekend and a wonderful summer ahead.