Summer 2024 Newsletter

Recent news, events, and useful information from the

Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association

President’s Message: Addressing the Civil Justice Gap – A Call to Action

By Eric Nordby

As officers of the Court and members of the NDNY-FCBA, we have a solemn duty to uphold the principles of equal justice under law. One of the greatest challenges we face is ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic circumstances, have meaningful access to legal representation in our federal court system.

Featured Photo: NDNY Celebrates Law Month

On May 7, 2024, United States Bankruptcy Judge Wendy A. Kinsella hosted high school students from Camden and Cortland High Schools as part of the Northern District of New York’s celebration of Law Month. This year’s topic was the “Voices of Democracy” and the students discussed and argued historical cases involving free speech and voting with Judge Kinsella, as well as with FCBA President Eric Nordby and FCBA member Liza Magley, Chair of the First Decade Committee for Central New York. Following the discussion group, the students heard from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Perry, Assistant Federal Public Defender Anne Lafex, Chief U.S. Probation Officer Michael Kester and former Secret Service/DEA Agent Anthony Hart, Jr. regarding careers in the legal field. This event was one of many hosted or sponsored by the FCBA and NDNY in recognition of Law Month.

Second Circuit Ceremonial Session Honors Judge Pooler

On May 17, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit convened a Ceremonial Session to honor the late Honorable Rosemary S. Pooler, United States Circuit Judge. The event featured remarks from Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes of the Northern District of New York.

Supreme Court Unanimously Sides with Judge McAvoy, Reverses Second Circuit

By Connor Catalano

Florida State Univ. College of Law, J.D. Expected May 2026

In this case originating from the Northern District of New York, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that plaintiff National Rifle Association had alleged a well-pled First Amendment claim against a former Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Speaking with … Former Congressman and NDNY AUSA John Katko

Interviewed By Janelle A. Pelli

John Katko served four terms in Congress. Before that, he was a federal prosecutor, including for about 15 years at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York in his hometown of Syracuse. In this interview, Katko discussed his career, his love of trials, his service in Congress, and what he’s doing now.

Upcoming Events

NDNY-FCBA Constitutional Scholars Contest - July 4, 2024 deadline for submissions. Click here for more info.

July 9 in Plattsburgh: Lunch and Conversation with the Judges of the NDNY. Click here to RSVP.

August 19 in Schenectady: FCBA Golf Tournament, Mohawk Golf Club. Email tversaci@ndnyfcba.org to register.

October 2 in Albany: CLE – Trying a Civil Rights Case. Click here to register.

October 17 in Syracuse: CLE – Trying a Civil Rights Case. Click here to register.

November 1 in Syracuse: Syracuse University College of Law, Supreme Court Preview CLE. Registration information coming soon.

December 5 in Schenectady: NDNY-FCBA Annual Dinner at The Landing Hotel. Registration information coming soon.

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