Our mission is to shape the development of law, educate and inform the public, and respond to the demands of our diverse and ever changing legal profession. NYSBA advocates for state and federal legislation and works tirelessly to promote equal access to justice for all.
Our History
Founded in 1876, the New York State Bar Association outlined its objectives in the organization’s founding constitution, which holds to this day: to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, professional skill and courtesy in the legal profession. On May 2, the New York State Legislature passed Chapter 210 of the Laws of 1877, entitled “An Act to Incorporate the New York State Bar Association.”
The Bar Center occupies numbers 1-6 Elk Street- it was formerly dedicated on September 24, 1971, and rededicated in 1990 as part of a $6.8 million expansion program. NYSBA is proud to have members in 50 states and over 100 countries around the world, and our current membership tops 70,000.
Diversity & Inclusion
NYSBA is committed to diversity in its membership, officers, staff, House of Delegates, Executive Committee, Sections and Committees and their respective leaders. Diversity is an inclusive concept, encompassing gender, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.
