Retired Army Officer Honored for Legal Advocacy for Central New York Veterans

Retired Army Officer Honored for Legal Advocacy for Central New York Veterans

11.26.2024

By Jennifer Andrus

The New York State Bar Association honored Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Kubala, U.S. Army (ret.) as its Veterans Advocate of the Year for her extensive outreach on behalf of veterans and active duty servicemembers. As executive director of the Veterans Legal Clinic at Syracuse University, she trains young lawyers to use their skills have a real-world impact on the lives of veterans in need.

“Elizabeth Kubala takes her students from the classroom to the community, breaking down barriers so veteran clients can access quality health care, food and other government benefits,” said New York State Bar Association President Domenick Napoletano. “Her work bridges generations, aiding recent veterans now enrolled in college to those who fought in Korea and Vietnam.”

Under her direction, students have authored amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court and argued cases at the federal circuit Court of Appeals. Her tenacity has brought about new programs and funding to fight veteran homelessness and substance use.

In their nomination letter, every staff member at the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Clinic wrote of Kubala’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for her work. Law clerk Andrew Patterson sought out help from the clinic as a disabled veteran and found a mentor in Professor Kubala.

“As a decorated female veteran, she understands the unique challenges all veterans face, especially those dealing with combat-related disabilities and military sexual trauma. She tirelessly works to connect these vulnerable veterans with the support and resources they need,” he said.

The Judge Robert T. Russell Veterans Advocate Award recognizes an attorney who has positively impacted or provided exemplary services to current and retired members of the U.S. military in New York State.

The New York State Bar Association Committee on Veterans also recognized the following attorneys on its Honor Roll:

Benjamin Pomerance, deputy council, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services.

Greg T. Rinckey, founding partner, Tully Rinckey.

Jared Rada, partner, Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada.

Jesse Weinstein, partner, Phillips & Associates, Attorneys at Law.

Kevin T. Saunders, counsel, Nixon Peabody.

Rogerlyn Velez, CEO, Angels for Warriors.

Susanna Laruccia, staff attorney, Legal Services of Long Island.

Honoring attorneys 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 7^th 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.

For more information on NYSBA’s Annual Meeting, click here. Media are invited to attend programs, but please notify Susan DeSantis at [email protected] or 201-575-5756.

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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