NCBA led the professional pack in so many ways. Our many NCBA committee chairs stepped up big-time. Under the supervision of the tireless Hector Herrera and Past Academy Dean Tom Foley, committee meetings went virtual en masse. The meetings―scheduled by NCBA Committee Liaison Stephanie Pagano―covered many topics related to COVID-19, and the robust attendance is a testament to their quality and relevance. And for many of us working from home, the meetings provided much-needed social interaction with our colleagues.
The Nassau Academy of Law promptly re-imagined its CLE programming. Under the direction of Jen Groh and Patti Anderson, our CLE On Demand program has been a monumental success. With countless CLE programs now being made available online, free to members―covered by your membership dues―there’s greater value in membership than ever before.
But beyond information and services, I wanted to do even more for our members. One of the special task forces I appointed was commissioned to work with Justice Norman St. George on adapting the courts and court processes to the pandemic. How can lawyers and litigants be protected while justice is pursued in re-opened courts? The NCBA held several town hall Zoom meetings with court administrators to help take justice “off pause,” and the attendance was nothing short of incredible. We will continue to work closely with judicial administrators to ensure public safety while we reopen our county.
Our Membership Coordinators Donna Gerdik and Stephanie Pagano are preparing to send out dues notices. I urge everyone to quickly renew and to contact Donna at
dgerdik@nassaubar.org
if you need to arrange a payment plan. We were here for you when you needed us most, and we will continue to be here for you. I know this may be a tough economic time for some, but I ask those who can do so to consider becoming Sustaining Members of the NCBA. As a Sustaining Member, you will help NCBA fund this extraordinary level of service and advocacy. If you agree that NCBA under my leadership has provided exceptional value to you, this would be one much-appreciated way to express it.
I thank you for your membership in NCBA, now and in the years to come, and for your support of my presidency.