President Richard Lewis: Past President James C. Moore Guided NYSBA Through Changes and Challenges
6.26.2023
Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the death of longtime Rochester attorney James C. Moore, who served as the association’s president from 1998 to 1999.
“Jim served this association in many roles, from Executive Committee member to chair to president. He promoted the good work of lawyers and helped guide our association through changes and challenges, including the then new requirement that lawyers take continuing legal education classes. He was ahead of his time in addressing the mental health challenges of our profession by bringing a psychiatrist to an association meeting to discuss the stresses facing trial lawyers.
“He modeled civility both in and out of the courtroom and was deeply invested in listening to the concerns and needs of lawyers throughout the state. Jim was a friend to many, and he made friends everywhere he went, especially on the many cruises he took with his family. He will be dearly missed.”
In addition to serving as president, Moore was also the chair of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law Section, the Nominating Committee, the Task Force on Liability Insurance and the Committee on Insurance Programs. Since 1988, he was a fellow of the New York Bar Foundation, and a co-chair of the Fellows of the 7th Judicial District starting in 2005.
He was a former partner at the firm Harter Secrest & Emery, with a practice focused on civil litigation, primarily in the areas of disputes involving design professionals, construction, intellectual property, and insurance coverage. He frequently served as an arbitrator and mediator in commercial disputes.
Moore had a lifelong interest in art, and he visited museums everywhere he traveled. He also loved to read biographies, especially those of lawyers and great leaders.
In addition to his roles with the New York State Bar Association, Moore also served in leadership roles and on the boards of many professional and civic associations, including the Geva Theatre, the Third Presbyterian Church, Family Services of Rochester, Inc., and the Friends of the Rochester Public Library.
