The Trial Lawyers Section 7th Annual Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award and CLE Program

Honoring Leadership in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

7^th Annual Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award & CLE Program

October 7, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

The New York State Bar Association’s Trial Lawyers Section proudly presents the 7th Annual Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award & CLE Program, honoring a trial attorney whose work has made a meaningful and lasting impact in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the legal profession.

Program Overview

This complimentary CLE program will honor an attorney who exemplifies Justice Ginsburg’s values through their professional achievements and leadership in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, while also providing thoughtful discussion and reflection on the ongoing role of trial lawyers in shaping a fair and inclusive legal system.

About the Award

The Trial Lawyers Section Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award recognizes a trial attorney who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal system. The award celebrates those who not only excel in their practice, but who actively work to ensure the profession reflects and serves the diverse society it represents.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy as a fearless advocate for justice continues to inspire generations of legal professionals. Throughout her career, she fought tirelessly for gender equality, civil rights, and the protection of marginalized communities, using her voice and position to dismantle systemic barriers and expand opportunity.

As a Supreme Court Justice, she championed equity for women, the BIPOC community, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, and was instrumental in shaping the law on issues including voter rights, gender discrimination, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. Justice Ginsburg understood that laws treating people differently ultimately harm everyone, and she believed equality must be recognized as an affirmative right.

At the core of her work was a steadfast commitment to uplifting diverse voices and advancing justice through bold, principled advocacy—values reflected in this award and program.

Award Applications

Applications for the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award will open on June 1.

Meet our previous winners: https://nysba.org/trial-lawyers-section-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-vanguard-award/

Co-Keynote Speaker: 

Hon. Shahabuddeen (Shah) A. Ally, Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court

Panelists:

Hon. Llinét Rosado, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

More presenters to be announced!

Program Chairs:
Angélicque M. Moreno, Esq., Former Chair of the Trial Lawyers Section, Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Trial Lawyers Section
Katherine A. Buckley, Esq., Co-Chair Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Trial Lawyers Section