A dozen attorneys in Queens launched the Queens County Criminal Bar Association to support others through networking and education.
Their mission is to provide attorneys in Queens with opportunities to advance their legal profession with both informal gatherings and networking events. They envision that the collaboration will help maintain high legal standards through relevant educational opportunities while also creating heightened advocacy on the local and state level.
The inaugural event for the new organization, held on Nov. 28 at Austin Ale House in Kew Gardens, brought together 160 interested judges and attorneys.
“As criminal lawyers, we have tremendous responsibilities and must work together to achieve justice,” said Seth Koslow, a founding member and private attorney. “The QCCBA will help attorneys build their own networks and at the same time strengthen our justice system.”
While some of the 12 founding members are private attorneys, others work for the Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit organization seeking justice for low income New Yorkers. Some also work for Queens Defenders, a public defense organization, and one works for the Queens District Attorney’s office.
The association was also started with the Hon. Michael J. Yavinsky, acting justice of the Supreme Court, serving as the group’s advisor.
“The Queens County Criminal Bar Association will foster communication within the criminal bar in Queens County and build mutual respect among its members,” said Richard Sikes, another founding member who works for the NYS Unified Court System. “That enhanced communication should ensure the just resolution of the many cases which our members handle every day.”
The new association was modeled after the structure and mission of the Kings County Criminal Bar Association in Brooklyn. QCCBA expressed gratitude for the advice, insight and support of members of KCCBA.
