July 2010 President's Post

July 21, 2010

President's Message

Less than one month ago I was sworn in as NYSTLA's 43rd President. I would like to thank each NYSTLA member for giving me the honor of serving this great organization. In the year ahead, I hope to lead NYSTLA to great new heights, and plan on taking every opportunity to strengthen the rights of our clients and improve the civil justice system. I have already been busy, working in Albany to block initiatives that would limit access to justice, in Vancouver at the AAJ convention discussing strategy and tactics with plaintiff's attorneys from around the country, and responding to attacks in the press.

I would also like to thank those who attended and supported the installation ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall on June 23rd. It was incredibly heartwarming to see the room packed with members, friends and family, and it would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors: Esquire Bank, USClaims, FindLaw, Diamond Reporting, Creative Capital, John Afrides Photography, and the Lien Resolution Group.

This is the first of many President's Posts in the coming year, and I look forward to working with each NYSTLA member to fill these updates with success stories. We can't beat back the big-money special interests and so-called "tort-reformers" without everyone's participation, whether it is financial contributions, local political action, or reaching out to fellow trial lawyers to encourage membership.

This year, I hope to build on the great work and accomplishments of my predecessor and good friend, Richard Binko, and also to make some changes for the better. As NYSTLA's first president from Western New York, Rich organized an extremely successful upstate tour that brought in new members from around the state. I plan on continuing these events.

As a Brooklynite, I am committed to telling it like it is. To this end, I will be doubling the number of open membership meetings that are called for in the NYSTLA By-Laws. These meetings will be either in roundtable or town hall format, and will be an opportunity for all members to ask questions and offer suggestions, and learn more about what NYSTLA does to support and defend civil justice and how you play a vital role in the process.

NYSTLA headquarters will be modernized and renovated in the next few months as part of the renegotiated lease, at no cost to the association. There will be an open house to show off the changes when this is completed. Look for more info coming later.

Please do not hesitate to contact me about your concerns or ideas to advance the cause of civil justice and our organization. I can be reached through NYSTLA at 212-349-5890 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

AAJ Update

New York's AAJ Governors and State Delegates, NYSTLA Officers, members and Executive Director spent last week in Vancouver at the annual convention of the American Association for Justice. Thank you to all those who attended this successful event, as well as the New York Caucus Breakfast, which was held on Wednesday at the Convention Center.

Congratulations to Gibson Vance from Montgomery, AL, who was installed as President of the organization for 2010-2011. AAJ does vitally important work in Washington, D.C. and across the country, and is a valuable partner and resource for NYSTLA members. In the first ten seconds of his remarks at the convention, Vance acknowledged the importance of the New York delegation and that our participation is critical to the mission of AAJ.

A number of NYSTLA members were selected to serve in leadership positions in our national organization: Immediate Past President Richard Binko was elected an AAJ PAC Trustee; NY Governor and NYSTLA Past President Stephan Peskin was elected to the AAJ Compliance Committee in addition to his ongoing work on the AAJ Budget Committee. Congratulations to William Friedlander, Chair of the Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Section, and Daniel Rausher, Chair of the AAJ Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section, both of whom completed successful years as chair of their respective sections and put together excellent full day CLE programs.

For more information about AAJ, please contact Katie Miller at 212-349-5890 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New Partners for Justice

NYSTLA is excited to announce that more companies have joined the ranks of our Partnership for Justice Fund. In our daily practice, we all use a variety of service providers who depend on us for their business. NYSTLA has made a commitment to use only those businesses that have joined the Partnership for Justice Fund. By doing the same, you will strengthen the connection between NYSTLA and our Partners.

Appellate Funding (415-710-3833) is a specialty finance business that provides non-recourse funding during the appellate process to enable plaintiffs and their counsel to preserve trial awards they have already won.

Integrated Insurance Agency (516-944-4040) for all insurance needs from professional liability to medical, gets you results when no one else can.

Ed Abramowitz of Kirsh Financial (212-246-7030) can help you to convert all of your hard work into financial security for you and your family.

We are thankful to these businesses and all our partners for their loyalty and support. For more information about these new Partners or any Partner, please contact Allie Wesson at 212-349-5890 x327 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here <http://www.nystla.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=archives&;categoryID=147> to visit our website.

Decisions 2010

Keep Abreast of the Key Developments in Tort Law by Attending DECISIONS 2010!

** Sign up by August 31, 2010 and get $25 OFF your registration fee! ** <http://www.nystla.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&;articleID=1895>

This annual event is the most comprehensive and effective way to review last year's decisions, amendments and other changes in New York tort law.

New York City: September 24 & 25, 9am - 5pm

13 CLE Credits: 2 Ethics + 11 Prof. Practice Credits

Other Locations

8 CLE Credits: 1 Ethics Credit + 7 Prof. Practice Credits

Western Region (Buffalo): October 8, 9am - 5pm

Westchester: October 15, 9am - 5pm

Central Region (Albany): October 22, 9am - 5pm

Southern Tier (Ithaca): October 29, 9am - 5pm

Long Island: November 5, 9am - 5pm

Click here <http://www.nystla.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&;articleID=1895> to register or call 212-349-5890 for more information and ask for Joanne.

2010 Ryder Cup

Each year NYSTLA faces off against New Jersey Association for Justice members in a golf contest called the Ryder Cup. This August will be the fourth meeting of this hotly contested match. Team captain, Richard Gurfein, is seeking players to compete against New Jersey on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the Tuxedo Country Club, Tuxedo, NY (Thruway Exit 15A Sloatsburg/Suffern) . The only requirement is that each player must be a NYSTLA member and have a recognized Handicap Index. Remember a high index gives you the opportunity to play better than your handicap!

For more information, please contact Richard Gurfein at 212-406-1600 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

New York State Trial Lawyers Association

132 Nassau Street, New York NY 10038

Tel: 212-349-5890 Fax: 212-608-2310

Law Offices of Richard S. Binko