In an effort to find useful ways to continue to serve its members during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCBA has devoted significant efforts to providing increased CLE offerings since the “stay-at-home” directive went into effect in late March 2020.

On July 23, 2020, the United States Senate confirmed U.S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith to be a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, D.C.

Things are not as we envisioned in the beginning of this year, but the Organization has adapted, made important changes, and the good news is that COVID-19 has not stopped us from moving forward.

As we enter our fifth month in the new COVID-19 environment, I thought it would be helpful to provide the FCBA membership with a brief summary of responses to some frequently asked questions regarding Court operations.

Rob Wells is a criminal defense attorney based in Syracuse, with a reputation for humane, individualized and zealous advocacy, in both federal and state court, and also in college disciplinary proceedings. He also serves as a Pro Se Coordinator for the Pro Se Assistance Program, each year helping dozens of self-represented litigants better understand the federal civil action process. Rob is also a past president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The FCBA awarded a total of $4,500 in prize money to 20 high school students as part of the Fifth Annual Constitution Contest, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. District Court.

August 24: Annual Golf Event, Bellevue Country Club in Syracuse; more information at

August 25: Zoom CLE, “The Intersection of Federal Courts and Veterans Law,” co-sponsored with Syracuse Law’s Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic; RSVP to schilders@ndnyfcba.org by August 19

September 25: Zoom CLE on the Supreme Court during Syracuse Law’s Alumni Weekend; more information at https://www.ndnyfcba.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Announcement_Page_1.jpg

December 3: Annual CLE/Meeting/Dinner, Craftsman Inn, Fayetteville, NY

Have a suggestion for our next newsletter? Please contact us with your suggestion at schilders@ndnyfcba.org. Thanks!