Fall 2023 Newsletter

Recent news, events, and useful information from the

Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association

Court Community Gathers on a Football Saturday to Celebrate the Life of Judge Mordue

More than 100 people filled Dineen Hall at Syracuse University College of Law (“SUCOL”) on Saturday morning, September 23, to celebrate the life of Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue, who died on December 29, 2022. They honored him in the way he would have wanted – by telling stories, watching SU football, and having a good time.

FCBA President Adam Katz and Mordue Scholarship Recipient Tyriese Robinson join Judge Mordue’s family, including his wife Chris (center), at the September 23 event celebrating Judge Mordue’s life and legacy.

Tyriese Robinson Named as the Inaugural Recipient of the NDNY-FCBA Hon. Norman A. Mordue '66, L'71 Law Scholarship

By Robert Conrad

The first recipient of a scholarship established in honor of the Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 is 2L Tyriese Robinson.

The NDNY FCBA Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 Law Scholarship provides a Syracuse University College of Law student with the means to pursue a legal education and follow in the footsteps of Judge Mordue, a decorated war hero who served as chief judge for the NDNY and taught trial practice at the College of Law as an adjunct professor. The NDNY FCBA established the scholarship after the passing of Judge Mordue in December 2022.

Judge Mordue Scholarship Brunch Photo Gallery

Remembering Judge Rosemary Pooler

By Lillian Abbott Pfohl

Judge Rosemary S. Pooler led a trailblazing life, one that leaves behind a variety of legacies: her family, her consumer and political activism, and her judicial legacy as a judge both in the Northern District and on the Second Circuit.

Speaking with ... Judge Nardacci

Interviewed by Janelle A. Pelli

Judge Anne M. Nardacci took the bench in December 2022. In this interview, Judge Nardacci discussed her prior experience as a litigator, her approach as a judge, and advice for attorneys who appear before her.

1. How have your past experiences prepared you for being a federal judge?

Before joining the bench, I was a commercial litigator for 20 years, doing mostly antitrust litigation. Although I was based in Albany, my practice gave me the opportunity to litigate cases in federal courts across the country.

President's Message

By FCBA President Adam J. Katz

Although the U.S. Constitution grants no categorical right to counsel in civil cases, our Court strives to appoint pro bono counsel for all trial-ready civil cases in which the plaintiff is pro se. Most Court-appointed cases in our District involve “Section 1983,” which is short for 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a statute that authorizes private parties to enforce their federal constitutional rights, and some federal statutory rights, against municipalities, state and local officials, and other defendants who acted under color of state law.

Featured Photo

This year, the weather cooperated and 28 golfers came out to beautiful Bellevue Country Club in Syracuse on September 18 for competition and camaraderie with their FCBA colleagues. Our winning foursome was (pictured above, from left to right) Alan Pierce, Ryan Poplawski, Honorable David Peebles, and Angelo Catalano. We look forward to another great event next year!

FCBA 2023 Golf Tournament Photo Gallery

The Second Circuit's Call for Service

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is looking for greater NDNY representation on both its Pro Bono and CJA Panels

FCBA Announces

Winners

of Eighth Annual Constitution Contest

Upcoming Events

October 23, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: CLE: Criminal Defense Training Presented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Albany Capital Center; details and registration here

October 25, 5:30 p.m.: Reenactment of the Supreme Court case Chuy Lung v. Freeman, Albany federal courthouse; more information here

October 26, 5 to 7 p.m.: Cocktails & Conversation with the Judges of the Northern District of New York, Lost Dog Café, Binghamton; details and registration here

November 1, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Save the Date: "Judicial Decision Making" panel discussion and cocktail reception at Albany Law School; RSVP coming soon

November 3-4: 27th Annual Bankruptcy Conference hosted by the CNYBBA & Capital District Bankruptcy Bar Association at Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown click here for more information

November 9, 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Zoom CLE: Cybersecurity Updates 2023; details here, registration here

November 30: Annual Dinner CLE: "Robot in Robes? Artificial Intelligence, Law, and the Legal Profession" at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown registration coming soon

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