January 21, 2020: Past NYSBA President Kenneth Standard to be Honored for Distinction in International Law and Affairs

The International Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) will present its award for Distinction in International Law and Affairs to former NYSBA President Kenneth G. Standard, Epstein Becker & Green, on Monday, Jan. 27 at the 2020 NYSBA Annual Meeting.

The award honors outstanding efforts in the area of international law, recognizing those who have contributed to international peace, understanding and democracy.

“Kenneth Standard has been a dedicated advocate of the law and diversity for his entire career. He is an exemplary role model to the legal community and the International Section is honored to recognize his leadership, professionalism and humanity,” said section chair Diane O’Connell.

Standard is of counsel in the employment, labor & workforce management practice at Epstein Becker Green, and general counsel emeritus of the firm, having served as its first general counsel. Based in the New York office, he is also chair emeritus of the firm’s diversity and professional development committee, as well as chair emeritus of the firm’s quality assurance committee.

Standard was president of NYSBA from 2004-2005 and was the second African American to hold that position. He has chaired NYSBA’s Nominating Committee, its Committee on Judicial Selection and its Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. His strong commitment to making the legal profession more equitable and reflective of the country’s diverse population can be seen in his professional activities regionally, nationally and internationally.

A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Standard earned an LL.M. degree from New York University School of Law.

Honoring attorneys who render extraordinary service to the public and the profession is part of NYSBA’s Annual Meeting, which each January attracts thousands of lawyers from around the state, the nation and the world. They come to meet and connect with colleagues and to learn from experts in many areas of law.

A wide range of programs at NYSBA’s 143rd Annual Meeting January 27-31 will explore current issues in law and legal practice. The Presidential Summit on Wednesday, January 29, will look at White Nationalism and Domestic Terrorism in America.
At Thursday evening’s sold-out Gala Dinner, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Elena Kagan will receive the Gold Medal, NYSBA’s highest honor, and participate in a fireside-style chat with Prof. John Barrett of St. John’s University School of Law.

Other featured speakers at the Annual Meeting include New York State Attorney General Letitia James, the first African American and the first woman elected to that office; Janet DiFiore, chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals; and Craig Boise, dean of Syracuse University College of Law.

For more information on NYSBA’s Annual Meeting, visit nysba.org/am2020.

About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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Contact: Joan Fucillo 
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