New York State Bar Association’s Trial Lawyers Section Honors Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Two Supreme Court Justices
11.25.2024
New York State trial lawyers are taking a break from the courtroom to honor Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas for being a “guardian of the law.” They are also recognizing two Supreme Court justices.
The chief administrative judge will receive the Betty Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence on Jan. 16 during the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown.
“Judge Zayas has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to mentoring both judges and attorneys across New York State,” said New York State Bar Association President Domenick Napoletano. “His tireless efforts have instilled the highest standards of courtroom practice, professionalism, and ethics in the next generation of lawyers.”
The Trial Lawyers Section, which is led by Chair Angélicque Moreno, chose to honor Judge Zayas for his leadership in trial advocacy and his relentless pursuit of fairness in the courtroom. Moreno calls Judge Zayas a guardian of the law and protector of the integrity of the trial process.
The Betty Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence pays tribute to Friedlander’s groundbreaking career as one of upstate New York’s first female trial lawyers. The award is for improving trial practices outside of New York City.
The section will also honor two Supreme Court justices with awards recognizing their high ethical standards, professional conduct and mentorship of young attorneys.
Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award for Excellence in the Courtroom
Supreme Court Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, Appellate Division, First Department, will receive the Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award for Excellence in the Courtroom. The section is recognizing her for creating opportunities for attorneys from diverse backgrounds.
“Judge Manzanet-Daniels has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to justice both on and off the bench,” Napoletano said. “Her dedication to upholding the rule of law and empowering individuals is a remarkable example of excellence in the judiciary.”
The Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award recognizes a female litigator who has distinguished herself in the federal or state courts. Justice Santaella was the first Puerto Rican female judge elected to the New York Supreme Court and was a strong advocate of Puerto Rican and women’s rights.
Peter C. Kopff Trial Advocacy Award
Judge Joseph Capella, administrative judge of the Supreme Court in the 12th Judicial District, will receive the Kopff Trial Advocacy Award for his work on the bench.
“Judge Capella’s career is a model of integrity and ethical leadership with impartiality and honesty at its core,” Napoletano said. “His fair and balanced approach sets a strong example of ethical trial advocacy for others to emulate.”
Trial Lawyers Section leaders say Judge Capella’s courtroom operates from a foundation of accountability and trust and that his ethical leadership is impacting the next generation of legal professionals.
Peter Kopff is an accomplished trial advocate who chaired the NYSBA Trial Lawyers Section from 2012-2013. The award honors his work and continued commitment to mentorship and diversity.
Honoring attorneys and judges who render extraordinary service to the public and the profession is part of NYSBA’s Annual Meeting tradition. This year’s event promises to be dynamic and informative, featuring a wide range of sessions and activities tailored to the diverse interests and needs of lawyers practicing in New York. Annual Meeting takes place Jan. 14 to 17 at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Highlights of Annual Meeting include the Presidential Gala, where retired Associate Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States will receive the association’s most prestigious award, the Gold Medal. The gala is on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at The Plaza Hotel. Justice Breyer will speak about his career, judicial philosophy and his recent book during a fireside chat at the gala.
The Presidential Summit, the marquee event of the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, is on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The summit, entitled “Securing Justice: Addressing Sexual Violence and the Weaponization of Individuals and Groups During Conflicts and Wars,” will focus on justice for the victims of wartime human trafficking and sexual violence.
Distinguished guests include Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, international human rights law expert and founder and chair of the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children; and Abid Shamdeen, advocate for Yazidi genocide survivors and co-founder of Nadia’s Initiative.
In addition, former U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Forrest and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Bridget McCormack will provide an update on the impact AI has had on the legal profession since last year’s Presidential Summit.
