Winners have been selected for the 4th Annual Trial Lawyers Awards!
Please join us to celebrate the Honorees during the Annual Awards and Networking Reception on January 16 at the New York Hilton Midtown. This is a complementary reception, but registration is required.
Betty D. Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence
In recognition of a distinguished career marked by excellence in trial practice, demonstrating the highest quality of trial skill and conduct, and showing a commitment to professional growth, echoing the legacy of Betty Friedlander.
The Betty D. Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence was established by the Trial Lawyers Section to honor Betty Friedlander, one of the first female trial lawyers in upstate New York. Her pioneering career spanned over 18 years in private practice, where she handled cases ranging from personal injury to criminal defense and matrimonial/custody matters. Following her successful tenure in private practice, Betty served two electoral terms as County Court/Family Court Judge.
Throughout her career, Betty was deeply engaged in legal education and mentorship. She directed the Cornell Legal Aid Clinic, contributed to various NYSBA and OCA programs, and mentored numerous young lawyers and law students. Remarkably, even after mandatory retirement from the bench at age 70, she continued practicing as a trial lawyer into her 90s.
The award aims to recognize individuals who have substantially practiced as trial lawyers in state (or federal) courts in upstate New York (outside New York City). Qualifying candidates demonstrate excellence in the cultivation and utilization of trial skills, including courtroom practice, case preparation, client and collegial relations, litigation strategy, and ethics. Additionally, candidates exhibit a strong commitment to excellence in trial practice through professional engagement, writing, advocacy, teaching, or mentoring.
Hon. Joseph A. Zayas
The Hon. Joseph A. Zayas was appointed by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson in May 2023 as the Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System, the highest-ranking administrative position within the New York State Judiciary. Judge Zayas oversees the day-to-day administration and operation of the statewide court system, including its $3.7 billion budget, 3,300 state and local judges and 15,000 non-judicial employees in over 300 locations across the state.
Judge Zayas was previously appointed by New York’s Governor as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department – an intermediate appellate court which has jurisdiction over portions of New York City and the suburbs surrounding New York City. He previously served as the Administrative Judge for Supreme Court in Queens County, the second most populous county in the State. He was elected as a Justice of the Supreme Court in Queens County in 2016, appointed as a Judge of the Court of Claims by New York’s Governor in 2012, and originally appointed as a Judge of the Criminal Court of New York City by New York City’s Mayor in 2003. As a trial judge and an administrative judge of a trial court, Judge Zayas presided over jury trials in criminal cases and served as the Presiding Judge in the county’s Youth Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Mental Health Treatment Court. Throughout his judicial career, Judge Zayas has published numerous opinions in criminal, civil and family cases, lectured extensively on various areas of the law and was an active member and officer of the Latino Judges Association.
Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Zayas served as a law clerk to the Hon. Rolando T. Acosta in Civil and Supreme Court and at the Harlem Community Justice Center, a problem-solving court serving the communities of East and Central Harlem. Prior to working with Justice Acosta, Judge Zayas served as an attorney with The Legal Aid Society’s Capital Defense Unit, Criminal Appeals Bureau and Criminal Trial Division.
Judge Zayas is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law, and Fordham University. He attended public schools in New York City and was raised in the Frederick Douglas Housing projects.
Judge Zayas and his wife, Catherine Zayas, have been married for over four decades and they have three adult children and five grandchildren.
2023 Award Winner: Justice Erin P. Gall, Supreme Court Justice, Oneida County
2023 Award Winner: Christopher P. Flint, Esq., Cooper Erving & Savage LLP, Albany, New York
2022 Award Winner: Hon. Laura M. Jordan, Justice of the Supreme Court, 3rd Judicial District Of New York
2021 Award Winner: Cynthia LaFave, Esq. (LaFave, Wein & Frament, PLLC)
Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award for Excellence in the Courtroom
In recognition of outstanding dedication to upholding integrity, justice, and empowerment in the legal profession, echoing the remarkable legacy of Judge Irma Vidal Santaella. This award, established by the Trial Lawyers Section, honors a female litigator or judge in New York State who exemplifies excellence in the courtroom and dedication to promoting integrity, justice, and fairness.
The Justice Irma Vidal Santaella Memorial Award for Excellence in the Courtroom, established by the Trial Lawyers Section, pays tribute to the First Puerto Rican/Hispanic Female Judge elected to the New York State Supreme Court. Justice Santaella’s legacy of integrity, justice, and empowerment serves as the cornerstone of this prestigious award.
Justice Santaella, a graduate of Brooklyn Law School, broke barriers as the first Puerto Rican woman lawyer in New York. Her distinguished career spanned from serving as a Commissioner for the Human Rights Appeal Board to practicing as a commercial litigator and accountant in private practice. A staunch advocate for Puerto Rican rights, she founded the Legion of Voters, Inc., and played a pivotal role in amending the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Additionally, she co-founded N.O.W. and numerous civil rights organizations, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape.
The award recognizes litigators in New York State who demonstrate excellence in the courtroom and uphold the highest standards of advocacy, due process, and integrity. Recipients exhibit significant experience as trial lawyers in state (or federal) courts in downstate New York, showcasing integrity and ethical conduct in trial advocacy and/or judicial service. They are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession, actively engaging in professional development, community involvement, teaching, and mentoring.
This award celebrates the courageous efforts of litigators and judges who champion integrity, justice, and fairness in the legal system, embodying the spirit of Judge Santaella’s lifelong dedication to the pursuit of justice and the empowerment of the marginalized.
Award Qualifications
The nominee has:
- Significant experience as a trial lawyer or judge in New York State or federal courts in downstate New York
- Demonstrated excellence in trial advocacy and/or judicial service, displaying integrity and ethical conduct
- Dedication to achieving excellence in trial practice and/or judicial service through professional engagement, community involvement, teaching, or mentoring
- Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession
Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels
Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels was born in New York City, raised in the South Bronx and is a product of the New York City public schools. She is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1985. Justice Manzanet-Daniels is a graduate from Hofstra University School of Law, Class of 1988, where she attended on a full scholarship. While at Hofstra Law School, she founded and served as the first President of the Latino Law Students Association in 1987-1988. As an alumna, Judge Manzanet-Daniels co-founded and served as the first chair of the Lalsa Alumni Scholarship Fund, which continues to raise thousands of dollars for aspiring Latino law students
In 1988, Justice Manzanet-Daniels began her legal career with the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx as a criminal defense trial attorney. Thereafter, Judge Manzanet-Daniels served as Principal Law Clerk for three years respectively to both Justice Frank Torres in Bronx Supreme Court, Criminal Term, and to Justice Luis A. Gonzalez, Administrative Judge for the 12th Judicial District.
In November 1999, Sallie Manzanet-Daniels was elected as Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, Bronx County. In November 2001, Judge Manzanet-Daniels was elected and received a Gubernatorial Citation for becoming, at the age of 37, the youngest Justice of Hispanic Heritage ever elected to the New York State Supreme Court.
In October 2009, Governor David Paterson appointed Justice Manzanet-Daniels to the Appellate Division, First Department, thereby making her the first Latina justice in the history of New York State to serve on this Court. Since her Supreme Court election, she has been recognized numerous times for her judicial excellence, Most recently, she was asked in 2015 to serve as the commencement speaker at her alma mater, and was bestowed a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
Her life has been marked by activism and leadership, in her community and during her academic and professional life. Throughout her career Judge Manzanet-Daniels has mentored many students of all ages and walks of life. Community service has always been one of her greatest passions, and includes organizations focusing on the elderly, the arts, and a myriad of community, bar and professional organizations servicing all spheres of public life. Justice Manzanet-Daniels has served on the boards of both the Puerto Rican Bar Association and the Latino Judges Association, and is a member of many other bar associations.
Last, but certainly not least, Judge Manzanet-Daniels is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters, Taina (born to her) and Toure & Asha (her blessings through marriage) and since 200.has been married to New York’s former Secretary of State, Randy A. Daniels.
2022 Award Winner: Hon Doris M. Gonzalez, Justice of the Supreme Court, 12th Judicial District of New York
2021 Award Winner: Chief Judge Janet DiFiore (NYS Office of Court Administration, NYS Court of Appeals, Albany, New York)
Peter C. Kopff Trial Advocacy Award
In recognition of a career marked by integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards.
This award, established by the Trial Lawyers Section, the distinguished career of private practice trial lawyers and judges in New York State who embody integrity and the highest ethical standards in their profession.
About Peter C. Kopff: Peter C. Kopff is a highly distinguished attorney and trial advocate who served as Chair of the NYSBA Trial Lawyers Section from 2012-2013 and received the Distinguished Trial Lawyer Award in 2017. Known for his unwavering ethics, he has extensively lectured, published on trial advocacy, mentored many lawyers, and demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Award Qualifications
The nominee has:
- Practiced as a trial lawyer in private practice or a member of the Judiciary in New York State
- Demonstrated success in providing high-quality education, training, teaching, or mentoring
- Exhibited excellence in trial advocacy and/or judicial service, maintaining integrity and ethical standards
- Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession
2024 Award Winner: Hon. Joseph E. Capella, Administrative Judge, Supreme Court, Civil Term, 12th Judicial District
2022 Award Winner: Helene E. Blank, Esq., Blank & Star, Pllc, Brooklyn, New York
2021 Award Winner: Kevin Hunt, Esq. (Gale Gale & Hunt, LLC)