Profiles in Leadership: David Cohen
10.11.2024
What made you become involved and stay involved with NYSBA?
I became involved in NYSBA as a result of my membership in the Queens County Bar Association. As I progressed in local bar leadership, I became aware of what a significant influence the State Bar had on many of the issues that impacted on the lawyers who practiced in Queens County. I remained a State Bar member as a result of membership in the Criminal Justice Section. The work of the Section to improve the practice of criminal law demonstrated to me the value of State Bar membership.
Describe your journey to becoming a NYSBA leader.
Becoming a member of the House of Delegates was the beginning of my journey as a State Bar leader. Attending House meetings and listening to the discussions of important issues that lawyers, their clients and the justice system faced made me want to become more involved in the State Bar. Next, I was fortunate enough to become a District Vice President which meant I became a member of the Executive Committee. Being exposed to this level of Association leadership truly was inspirational. I gained insight into the issues facing the Association and what I could contribute to the discussions and solutions. Finally, I became the Chair of the Criminal Justice Section. Learning how to lead that group of distinguished professionals was the highlight of my leadership journey.
How do you describe your leadership style?
Collaborative is the best way to describe my leadership style. I always seek to reach consensus among differing opinions. I listened to other members of the House, Executive Committee or Criminal Justice Section to ascertain if there was common ground that I could use to bring differing sides of an issue together. Giving all sides a voice and an opportunity to be heard, enabled me to reach consensus in many instances.
How do you determine which goals to set and worn on as a NYSBA leader?
I believe that in setting goals, the staff is a most important resource to those in leadership. At whatever level I served, I always consulted with the staff to determine what the goals the Association or Section should be. Staff has the institutional memory and experience that is most important in determining the direction that leaders should take in setting and reaching goals.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the legal profession in the next five years and how have you tried to address that challenge as a NYSBA leader?
I believe the greatest challenge to the legal profession in the next five years is the growing disrespect for the Court system. The attacks on our Courts is not only a challenge, but is a great danger to our profession and the rule of law. If the public loses faith in the impartiality of the courts, then it is a slippery slope leading to the lack of voluntary compliance with court decisions. As a profession we must support and actively participate in any and all efforts to educate our citizens as to the importance of respect for our courts and the rule of law. Past President Lewis’s convening of a forum on civics education highlighted the need to have civics education back in the classroom. Unless all citizens believe that the decisions of our courts, from the Supreme Court of the United States to their local Town Justice, are impartial and based on the law and must be complied with, our democracy is in danger.
