The New York Bar Foundation Honors Hon. Barry Kamins (Ret.) With Force For Justice Award

 

The New York Bar Foundation recognized the Honorable Barry Kamins (Ret.), Partner at Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, with its Force for Justice Award during the Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Leadership Laureate Celebration. The award honored Judge Kamins for his exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service to the legal profession, as well as his lifelong dedication to strengthening New York’s criminal justice system.

The reception, held on Sept.18 at B. Stuyvesant Champagne in Brooklyn, brought together leading members of the judiciary and bar from across the metropolitan region. Guests gathered to celebrate Judge Kamins’ achievements and to spotlight the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to legal services for New Yorkers most in need.

“Judge Kamins’ leadership in criminal justice reform has amplified the voices of the voiceless, and left a lasting impact across New York State,” said Justice Cheryl Chambers. “His book, New York Search and Seizure, is the leading practical guide on the subject, relied on by defense attorneys and prosecutors alike. It reflects his steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and embodies the very ideals celebrated by the Foundation,” added Justice Chambers.

Judge Kamins’ career spans more than five decades of service to the legal profession and the courts. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County, rising to Deputy Chief of the Criminal Court Bureau. Following that, he was a partner at Flamhaft Levy Kamins Hirsch & Rendeiro LLP, before serving as a Criminal Court Judge and then as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. He went on to serve as Administrative Judge for the Second Judicial District, and later as Chief of Policy and Planning for the New York Court System. In 2015, he joined Arthur Aidala and Marianne Bertuna in their law practice, which is now the firm of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins.

A graduate of Rutgers Law School, Judge Kamins has served as President of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and Chair of the Advisory Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure for the Chief Administrative Judge of New York. He serves as a member of the Justice Task Force and is an Adjunct Professor at Brooklyn Law School, where he teaches New York criminal law and procedure. Judge Kamins is also a Fellow of the Foundation, an honor reserved for exemplary leaders in the legal profession.

“The vital work of the Foundation has made a meaningful, positive impact for thousands of New Yorkers in communities spanning the far reaches of our state,” said Judge Barry Kamins. “I am deeply honored by this recognition from such a dynamic philanthropic organization, and I encourage those across the legal profession to help make a difference for those in need by supporting the Foundation.”

The Sept. 18 reception was part of the Foundation’s statewide Leadership Laureate Series, launched in honor of its 75th anniversary. The series highlights distinguished legal professionals while showcasing the Foundation’s work to strengthen the justice system, expand access to legal services, and support legal education through scholarships and fellowships.

The program featured remarks from Justice Chambers, as well as Reception Co-Chairs Anthony W. Vaughn of The Law Offices of Anthony W. Vaughn, Jr. LLC; Judge Margaret J. Finerty (Ret.), Partner at Getnick Law; and Arthur Aidala, Fox News analyst and Managing Partner of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, P.C.

Lisa Schreibersdorf, Executive Director of Brooklyn Defender Services, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the Foundation’s long-standing support for nonprofits that advance access to justice, including programs benefiting veterans and students.

The Force for Justice Award honors individuals whose careers exemplify an unwavering dedication to justice and the spirit of compassionate generosity.