WHO WE ARE
The mission of this Section is to promote equality in the law for LGBTQ+ people; to combat the tide of anti-LGBTQ+, especially transphobic, laws and regulations; eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ+ attorneys and litigants; support equality of opportunity for, and increase the visibility of, contributions made by LGBTQ+ attorneys; and promote diversity within the judiciary by inclusion of all underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ people.
SECTION BENEFITS
Membership in the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Law Section offers you many ways to enhance your knowledge and expertise through CLEs and other informative programs.
Membership also provides opportunities for networking and professional development. Our Section writes reports and articles regarding recent legislation and developments in the law and we spotlight members who are breaking the mold and making a difference in the LGBTQ+ community. Our members, through this Section, are having a significant impact on positive change for the LGBTQ+ community across New York State and beyond.
Join today!
There are many ways to become involved in NYSBA’s LGBTQ+ Law Section. Here are a few:
- Speak or serve as a panelist for one of our CLE programs
- Author articles shared on the Section’s online platforms and publications
- Monitor and report on LGBTQ+ laws from the New York State Legislature
- Aid in membership and outreach initiatives
SECTION CONTENT – For Members Only
The LGBTQ+ Law Section has been in the forefront of introducing, monitoring and evaluating legal developments in the areas of LGBTQ+ Law at both federal and New York State levels. Access our exclusive members-only online community here.
CONTACT US
To learn more about this Section, please contact Mercedes Peno
mpeno@nysba.org
(518) 487-5681
Please do not contact the Section liaison with a request for legal advice or an attorney referral. You can instead visit our ‘Public Resources’ or ‘Lawyer Referral Service’ page for this type of request.
Hon. Eric J. Wursthorn
The Hon. Eric J. Wursthorn serves as Chair of the LGBTQ+ Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. In this role, he focuses on building upon the Section’s rapid growth since its inception in 2020, expanding its statewide footprint, and advancing its newly established committee dedicated to law students and emerging lawyers. A champion for diversity and representation on the bench, Judge Wursthorn has been a dedicated member of various bar associations for over 20 years, including the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association and the New York Women’s Bar Association, and currently serves as President of the LGBT Bar Association and Foundation of Greater New York (LeGaL).
Judge Wursthorn was elected in 2025 as a Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, New York County and is currently designated to the Bronx County Civil Court. On the bench, he presides over a diverse range of civil litigation matters. Prior to his election, Judge Wursthorn amassed extensive experience within the New York State Unified Court System, serving for nearly two decades as a court attorney and referee.
His legal career is rooted in a rich history of mentorship and court service. Over the course of fifteen years, Judge Wursthorn worked in the New York City Criminal Court, New York City Civil Court, and New York State Supreme Court as Principal Court Attorney for the Hon. Lynn R. Kotler, New York State Supreme Court Justice. Previously, Judge Wursthorn clerked for the Hon. Judith J. Gische, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department (ret.) while simultaneously pursuing his legal education at night.
Judge Wursthorn received his J.D. from New York Law School’s Evening Division and earned his B.A. in Chemistry from Cornell University. He resides in New York City with his long-time partner, Matthew Paulson.
Online Community
New York State Bar Association Argues in Supreme Court Amicus Brief That No One Should Be Discriminated Against in Public Accomodations
New York State Bar Association Files Amicus Brief With U.S. Supreme Court To Protect LGBTQ Rights And Foster Children
State Bar endorses civil marriage to provide full equity to same-sex couples and families – June 2009
Report of the Special Committee to Study Issues Affecting Same-Sex Couples – 2004
Marriage Equality Act – 2011
LGBTQ+ Law Section Committee
LGBTQ+ Vanguard Award
The 2026 LGBTQ+ Vanguard Award
The LGBTQ+ Law Section wishes to celebrate the amazing dedication and achievement that members of the community have given to the legal profession. As more LGBTQ+ persons attend law school, join NYSBA, seek leadership positions and career support, and demand greater equality in the law and parity in the workforce, we have a responsibility to celebrate those LGBTQ+ and allied lawyers in their tireless work in ensuring the future prosperity and success of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are thousands of LGBTQ+ lawyers and allies in New York, who for decades have been at the forefront of the profession. In many cases, they have been the lawyers and advocates who have made social change possible at the state and national level. It is critical to celebrate these incredible people for their drive and ambition that has made it possible for the LGBTQ+ community to come closer to true equality.
Contact: mpeno@nysba.org
Nomination Deadline: October 31, 2025
Date Presented: 2026 Annual Meeting
Prize Awarded: The recipient will receive a recognition award and a complimentary one-year membership in the Association and the LGBTQ+ Law Section
2026 LGBTQ+ Vanguard Award Winner
PAST RECIPIENTS
2025- Matthew J. Skinner, Esq., Executive Director, Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, New York State Court System
2024- Wesley R. Powell, Esq., Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
2023- Amy E. Schwartz-Wallace, Esq., Empire Justice Center
2022- Michelle Kahn, Esq., Kahn & Goldberg, LLP (Inaugural Award)
Transgender Rights Are Being Attacked on Multiple Fronts
Introspection on Coming Out Day: A Chronology of the LGBTQ+ Law Section
More LGTBTQ+ Youth Are in Foster Care and They Need Support
What This Pride Month Means to Me
Divorce Can Be Difficult for Same-Sex Couples
LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers Face Extra Challenges
NYSBA Pledges To Continue Its Fight for Equal Rights in Wake of U.S. Supreme Court Decision in LGBTQ+ Public Accommodations Case
At urging of the NY State Bar Association, ABA Votes To Support LGBTQ Inclusive Language in Court Proceedings Nationwide
Fulton V. City of Philadelphia: What It Really Means
LGBTQ Chair Sam Buchbauer Provides Strong Voice for LGBTQ+ Community
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lgbtq-chair-sam-buchbauer-provides-strong/
Incoming LGBTQ Law Section Chair Sam Buchbauer Says NYSBA Membership Makes National Impact
Incoming LGBTQ Law Section Chair Sam Buchbauer Says NYSBA Membership Makes National Impact
As in the U.S., Battle for Marriage Equality in Japan Takes on Many Fronts
As in the U.S., Battle for Marriage Equality in Japan Takes Place on Many Fronts
LGBTQ Law Section Chair Christopher Riano Makes History
NYSBA Member Spotlight: Jacqueline J. Drohan
President Karson’s Statement on President Biden’s Decision to Lift Restrictions on Transgender Service Members
LGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care System
Breathe Into It: How Intentional Breathing Can Help You Manage Stress
The Rainbow Workforce: Panel Discussion with LGBTQ+ Identified Recent Grads and Law Students
NY Law Student Virtual Coffee Hour: LGBTQ+ Law and Policy During the Biden Administration
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