Profile in Leadership: Judge Jonah Triebwasser

Profile in Leadership: Judge Jonah Triebwasser

8.25.2025

By Committee on Leadership Development

What made you become involved and stay with NYSBA?

Those of us who are career government attorneys can become isolated in our agencies from the other members of the Bar. I didn’t like that idea, so I decided to become active in my county bar and NYSBA, sometimes being the only government attorney present at a particular committee meeting. I was always welcomed with open arms and found the work of the Bar Association rewarding and fulfilling.

Which past or present NYSBA leader inspires you and why?

Past NYSBA President Bob Ostertag was a mentor and colleague on both the county and state level. His selfless devotion to his fellow practitioners through his activities in the state bar, even as a “little old country lawyer” as he used to label himself, was an example to us all. He came from a small firm, so when he was devoting considerable time to the Bar Association, it was at some financial cost. His example inspired me and others to devote the extra time from busy schedules to the benefit of the profession through active service in the state bar.

Describe your journey to becoming a NYSBA leader?

I don’t know if I should be considered a leader or a worker bee, but when I joined a committee, I would ask “how can I help?” By pitching in on the work of the committee, and by staying around long enough, you eventually find yourself as the committee chair.

How do you describe your leadership style?

I believe in collaborative work and never forgetting that you are working with colleagues. Everyone has a point of view that should be considered. I believe in delegating a task and then not micro-managing; let the person run with it, make it their own. You will always get better results that way.

What advice would you give to future leaders?

Remember that you are only the first among equals, that “please” and “thank you” go a long way in getting things done, and that if an event is 95% successful, that’s a win; don’t dwell on the other 5%.