The New York State Bar Association marked its 150th anniversary on Mar. 18, reflecting on its founding in 1876 alongside significant historical events and the evolution of justice in New York.
The milestone highlights the association’s longstanding commitment to promoting legal reform, advancing fairness in the criminal justice system, and supporting vulnerable populations. The association’s original mission was “to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice, to elevate the standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, and to cherish a spirit of brotherhood among the members.”
Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson drew parallels between Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”—published in the same year as NYSBA’s founding—and the association’s journey over a century and a half. He noted that Twain intended his work not only for children but also “to pleasantly remind adults … what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in.” Wilson said that one lesson from Tom Sawyer is seen in Muff Potter’s trial: “Muff Potter is saved not by the rule of law or the procedural protections we now take for granted, but because Tom and Huck Finn know him to be ‘kind of good’ – someone who stands by them when they are out of luck – and therefore Tom decides to testify to clear Potter even though he believes he is signing his own death warrant.”
Wilson recounted how NYSBA has been instrumental in expanding protections for defendants through legislative advocacy, such as securing full state funding for indigent criminal defense services across all counties and helping block proposals that would have defunded legal aid organizations. He also highlighted advances in family law and child welfare since 1876: “NYSBA has always prioritized advocating for a justice system worthy of New York’s families,” including support for increased pay for attorneys representing parents and efforts toward mandated parental representation.
He further reflected on pro bono service within NYSBA: “That is the same sort of fulfillment lawyers achieve through pro bono work – the selfless devotion of time, expertise and resources to help the helpless.” The association has organized volunteer attorneys through its philanthropic arm, The New York Bar Foundation.
Looking ahead, Wilson suggested that lessons from Twain’s sequel might guide NYSBA into its next era: “By traveling together, Huck comes to understand and value Jim’s humanity and moral compass… That… might be a good enough navigation chart to guide NYSBA as it leads and supports us over the next 150 years.”
