New York State Bar Association President David M. Schraver of Rochester (Nixon Peabody) issued the following statement today on the passing of Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr., who died Tuesday at his home in Cazenovia. He was 91. “As a jurist on New York’s highest court, Judge Hancock was recognized for his astute intellect, wisdom … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David M. Schraver today urged state lawmakers to approve the proposed Judiciary budget to help alleviate logjams now faced by New Yorkers seeking their “day in court.” “The Judiciary’s budget request reflects a balancing between constitutional duty to ensure access to justice for all New Yorkers and the obligation … Continued

Justin L. Vigdor of Rochester has been honored with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, given by The New York Bar Foundation. Vigdor received the award during the Fellows Annual Dinner Meeting on January 31 in New York City. The award honors former officers or directors of the Foundation who served a minimum of 10 years … Continued

Citing “a shocking level of decline” in Americans’ understanding of the framework of our democracy, the New York State Bar Association today urged the state Board of Regents, Legislature, Governor and others to make the teaching of civics in our schools “an educational priority on par with reading and mathematics.” “Preserving the fundamental civic mission … Continued

Louis A. Craco, who has spent a 55-year legal career promoting professionalism and ethics in the profession, has been honored with the New York State Bar Association’s highest honor, the Gold Medal. State Bar President David M. Schraver of Rochester (Nixon Peabody) presented the 2014 award to Craco on Saturday, February 1, at the President’s … Continued

Former Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye is the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Jurist Award, given by the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association. The award honors a jurist who embodies the highest ideals of the Judicial Section and recognizes judicial excellence and extraordinary commitment to the rule of law. Kaye received … Continued