Catherine van Kampen Shares Her Passion for Developing the Next Generation of NYSBA Leaders

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I was appointed by then-President Scott Karson in 2020 and volunteered on projects like developing an orientation for new House of Delegates members creating the Pathways to Leadership brochure.

How does the Committee on Leadership Development encourage a sense of belonging for all members in the association?

The legal profession is very conservative, but change is the only constant in life. As communities change, society changes, for bar associations to be successful, you have to reflect the communities you serve. You might go to a bar association and feel there isn’t a place for you because you don’t look like everybody else. We say – everyone has a place here. If you care, are competent and committed, coming with the best intensions for the association, you belong here. Every single member has the opportunity to become a leader and to develop their capacity for leadership.

What inspired you to create the Leadership Academy?

Many other bar associations have costly leadership certificate programs available only to a selected few. We realized that most solo and small firm practitioners cannot afford that type of training. We identified a real need and knew we could provide this education to NYSBA members for free. It’s the gift that the association is giving itself – to train the next generation of our own leadership. We look forward to offering it again in 2026.

You have been recognized for your commitment to pro bono work on behalf of women and girls. How do you fit pro bono work into your schedule?

I try to do something with pro bono every day. It could be a half an hour on my lunch break or before I start work. If you take small steps every day, the cumulative effect over time is tremendous. Pro bono work is a gift; it’s an opportunity to serve others. If you align your interests and your values with an area of need in a community, you can really do beautiful things. My passion over 30 years has been women and children, particularly refugees and immigrants.

Why did you join the New York State Bar Association and what benefit do you get from membership?

The New York State Bar Association has wonderful attorneys and they’re fun! People here are in high spirits; they are passionate about the law. I don’t see a lot of cynicism; I see a lot of love for the law! New York is a microcosm of the world, people speak multiple languages, it’s mind blowing. You’re not going to see that in other states.

What advice do you have for new lawyers?

My advice is to join your state bar association, like NYSBA, get involved, and volunteer, even if you don’t have that much experience, don’t worry about it. Bring your enthusiasm, your time and your talent, because your bar association needs you.

Finish this statement: I would join NYSBA because ….

NYSBA offers opportunities for professional development and network building that no other bar association offers at the state level.