New York State Bar Association Mourns the Loss of its First Female President Maryann Saccomando Freedman
6.13.2024
Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the death of the association’s first female president:
“As the first female president of the association, Maryann Saccomando Freedman led by example, making it easier for women and people of color to rise to the top ranks of the New York State Bar Association and the profession. For almost four decades, she influenced and advised association presidents, and maintained a close relationship with the women – and many of the men — who served in the top leadership role after her.
“She was a trailblazer in law school, the profession and the association. As one of only three women in her law school class, she learned to challenge preconceived notions about the work women lawyers should perform. After graduating from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1958, she struggled to find work. But rather than let difficulty defeat her, Maryann found a way to turn it into a positive, launching the Women Lawyers Association of Western New York. She later became president of the Erie County Bar Association before seeking the presidency of the New York State Bar Association, As NYSBA president, she excelled at breaking down barriers for the next generation of female lawyers. We are proud of that legacy. She will be deeply missed.”
