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The Monroe County Bar Association strives to keep its members up-to-date on the latest developments in the legal community, the courts and the MCBA.
March 19, 2026: MCBA Opposes Proposed Rule Exempting DOJ Attorneys from New York Ethical Rules and Disciplinary Procedures
The Monroe County Bar Association (“MCBA”) is opposed to the proposed rule which would exempt Department of Justice (“DOJ”) attorneys from ethical rules and disciplinary procedures that govern all New York State attorneys. The rule is contrary to both federal law and United States Supreme Court precedent.
All attorneys in New York State are subject to the same ethical standards. The New York State Courts determine the rules that all New York attorneys must follow and the appropriate discipline when those rules are broken. These standards do not change based upon who employs the attorney. Neither the federal government nor the Department of Justice should be able to define what ethical conduct is for their attorneys, or play by their own set of rules.
New York’s attorney ethics rules are the bedrock of our legal profession. Any attempt to diminish the importance of our ethical standards must be forcefully rejected. Therefore, the MCBA is calling on all attorneys to express your opposition to this proposed rule during the public comment period which ends April 6, 2026. A link to comment is here.
March 9, 2026: Bar Association Urges State Leaders to Restore Full Funding Authority for IOLA Fund
The Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature to restore the full $102.5 million in spending authority for the Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund in the State Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
The IOLA Fund provides critical financial support to civil legal service organizations that assist low-income New Yorkers with essential legal needs, including housing stability, protection from domestic violence, consumer protection, and access to vital public benefits. Importantly, these funds are not taxpayer dollars; they are generated through interest earned on attorney trust accounts and are held by the IOLA Fund specifically to support civil legal services across New York State.
Click here for the full press release.
March 4, 2026: Bar Association Speaks Out Regarding Proposed Use of Rochester Federal Courthouse as Immigration Detention Facility
The Monroe County Bar Association (“MCBA”) supports the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York in its opposition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) using the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building as a detention facility. Like all courthouses, the federal courthouse in Rochester is a symbol of democracy, freedom, and justice. This symbol will be tainted by housing people in a location associated with the neutral administration of justice. Significantly, linking the courthouse with non-temporary immigration detention unrelated to appearances or proceedings in the courthouse has a chilling effect on those seeking to access the other services provided in the Federal Building.
Furthermore, the MCBA is troubled by a lack of transparency and specificity concerning the proposed usage, as well as an apparent absence of consultation with the Courts and other offices that serve the public from the Federal Building.
September 15, 2025: MCBA Speaks Out in Support of Judicial Independence
Recent attacks in the local news on judicial decision-making in Rochester highlight the need to reaffirm the importance of an independent judiciary.
When a judge is attacked for a legal decision, the judge is prohibited under applicable ethical rules from responding publicly. Media reporting that upon inquiry, a judge declined to comment or referred an inquiry elsewhere is misleading and undermines the community’s trust in the judiciary.
Because the public may not be aware of this prohibition, attorneys and the bar association have a duty to raise it - and the media likewise has an obligation to acknowledge it in its reporting.
Imparting significance to a judge’s silence in the face of any attack or complaint concerning the judge or matters before the judge is inappropriate.
We speak out to highlight the importance of an independent judicial branch in ensuring the rule of law and providing checks and balances to the other branches, all of which are equal. Judges must be permitted to make decisions based on the law and facts, free from political influence or pressure.
A judge’s ability to exercise discretion in decision-making is a crucial aspect of judicial independence. We remind the public that there are legal processes in place to challenge legal decisions. We also urge the public to defer to those legal processes when a judge’s discretion is challenged. The lodging of personal attacks on judges in the media undermines public confidence in judicial integrity and independence.
The Monroe County Bar Association will continue to engage in dialogue on these issues and provide education as appropriate.
August 22, 2025: Notice Regarding Sealed Documents
Effective immediately, documents filed under seal in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York after August 21, 2025, will not be accessible via the electronic case-management system (CM/ECF), even for case participants. Parties are encouraged to securely store their own copies of any document filed under seal. Otherwise, access to sealed documents must be arranged through the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Questions regarding the transmission or delivery of documents to be filed under seal must be directed to the Chambers of the presiding judge. General questions concerning this notice should be directed to the Court’s designated point of contact, Andrew Moeller, at andrew_moeller@nywd.uscourts.gov. This immediate measure is required to protect and safeguard sensitive information provided to the Court under seal in light of recent breaches.
May 23, 2025: Bar Association Votes in New Leaders – Installation Ceremony Set for June 25
The Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) announces the election of its Officers and Board of Trustees for the 2025–26 bar year, following the Association’s Annual Meeting held on May 22, 2025.
The full slate of newly elected MCBA leaders for the 2025-26 year includes:
- President-Elect: Timothy Lyster, Esq.
- Treasurer: Jessica Clemente, Esq.-
- Secretary: Erin Elmouji, Esq.
- New Trustees:
- Michael Burger, Esq.
- Katherine Markert, Esq.
- Timothy Muck, Esq.
- Stacey Trien, Esq.
- André Washington, Esq.
- Lauren Whiting, Esq.
In accordance with the Association’s Bylaws, Mark Funk, Esq., as President-Elect, will automatically become President and Chair of the Board of Trustees on July 1, 2025. Sareer A. Fazili, Esq., the current MCBA President, will assume the role of Immediate Past President and continue to serve on the Board of Trustees through June 30, 2026.
Click here for the full press release.
April 25, 2025: Amicus Brief in Support of Susman Godfrey LLP
The MCBA has joined the NYC Bar and other bar associations from across the nation in signing an amicus brief in support of Susman Godfrey LLP’s motion for summary judgment in response to the Executive Order (EO) directed against it. Click here for more details.
April 21, 2025: The Rule of Law Under Siege
By Sareer A. Fazili, MCBA President & Chairman of the Board
"The rule of law stands as a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law’s authority. However, since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, there have been significant concerns regarding executive overreach and challenges to judicial independence. Specific actions taken by the administration have raised alarms about the erosion of constitutional checks and balances."
Read the full article here.
April 16, 2025: Upholding the Rule of Law - In Word and Deed
By Sareer A. Fazili, MCBA President & Chairman of the Board
"On April 23, the Monroe County Bar Association will proudly gather to celebrate Law Day 2025. It will be a time to reflect on the enduring promise of our Constitution and the rule of law. We will also enjoy the opportunity to recognize individuals whose dedication and integrity embody the highest ideals of our profession.
This year, however, our celebration carries added weight. In a time when foundational principles are increasingly tested, it is more important than ever for our legal community to affirm — not just in word, but in deed — our unwavering commitment to the rule of law."
Read the full article here.
April 11, 2025: Amicus Briefs in Support of Jenner & Block and WilmerHale
Following the amicus brief recently submitted by a group of bar associations in support of Perkins Coie LLP’s motion for summary judgment in response to the Executive Order (EO) directed against it, the MCBA has joined with the NYC Bar and other bar associations in submitting amicus briefs in support of Jenner & Block and WilmerHale. Click here for more information.
April 4, 2025: Amicus Brief in Support of Constitutional Principles
The MCBA has joined bar associations from across the country in signing an amicus curiae brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The brief supports Plaintiff Perkins Coie LLP’s Motion for Summary Judgment in a case challenging Executive Order No. 14320 and related actions — which are viewed as attacks on law firms, the Constitution, and the rule of law. Click here for more information.
March 31, 2025: Bar Associations throughout New York State Affirm Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Principles and the Rule of Law in the Legal Profession
Bar associations throughout New York State have collaborated to affirm their commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession by signing a joint statement. Click here for the full statement. The bars’ statement reiterates that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are fundamental tenets of the practice of law in New York State and reflect licensing and ethical obligation of lawyers admitted to practice in New York State.
Bar associations collectively represent the interests of thousands of lawyers throughout New York State and their recent joint action to publicly to support the rule of law and diversity in the legal profession is unprecedented.
March 26, 2025: Monroe County Bar Association Joins National Effort to Reaffirm Commitment to the Rule of Law
The Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) has joined more than 50 bar associations nationwide in signing a statement issued by the American Bar Association (ABA) reaffirming unwavering support for the Rule of Law — a foundational principle of the U.S. democracy and justice system.
The full statement is available here: ABA Statement in Support of the Rule of Law
The statement emphasizes the vital importance of the Rule of Law in ensuring fairness, protecting rights, and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Read the full press release here.
March 24, 2025: Joint Statement of the Bar Associations
The rule of law and the independence of the legal profession are fundamental pillars of our democracy. Recognizing their critical importance, MCBA leadership voted last week to join the New York City Bar Association and other New York State bar associations in supporting a joint statement affirming these principles. Upholding an independent legal system is essential to ensuring justice for all.
Read the full statement here: https://www.nycbar.org/press-releases/in-defense-of-the-rule-of-law-and-the-independence-of-the-legal-profession/
February 21, 2025: MCBA Supports ABA’s Statements on the Rule of Law & Judicial Legitimacy
Earlier this month, the American Bar Association (ABA) issued two significant statements in response to recent events in our country, underscoring its commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary.
On February 10, the ABA released a statement in support of the rule of law, emphasizing:
“The American Bar Association supports the rule of law. That means holding governments, including our own, accountable under law. We stand for a legal process that is orderly and fair. We have consistently urged the administrations of both parties to adhere to the rule of law. We stand in that familiar place again today. And we do not stand alone. Our courts stand for the rule of law as well.”
Read the full statement here.
On February 11, the ABA issued a second statement condemning recent remarks that challenge the legitimacy of courts and judicial review:
“The American Bar Association condemns recent remarks of high-ranking officials of the administration that appear to question the legitimacy of judicial review and demand impeachment of a judge merely because the court did not agree with the government’s position. These comments pose serious risks to our constitutional framework that separates power among three co-equal branches.”
Read the full statement here.
Recognizing the importance of these principles, the MCBA Board of Trustees voted to support and adopt both ABA statements, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and opposing attacks on the judiciary.
January 31, 2025 - Four Bar Associations Prevent Illegal Seizure of Millions of Dollars From Civil Legal Services Fund
Four bar associations - including the Monroe County Bar Association - reached an historic settlement with New York State to help ensure that needy New Yorkers have lawyers when facing civil court battles – such as a parent’s fight for custody of a child or a plea to save the family home.
“The governor, comptroller, budget director and the state’s collective leadership now understand the importance and mission of the IOLA fund,” said Sareer A. Fazili, president and chairman of the Monroe County Bar Association. “We are here to ensure that access to civil legal services remains accessible at all times and for all time.”
For the full press release from the NYSBA, please click here.
October 14, 2024: The Honorable Debra Livingston Shares Her Remarks from Western District of New York Annual Dinner
At the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York's Annual Dinner on September 12, the Honorable Debra Livingston, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, provided inspiring remarks to the sold-out crowd of judges and attorneys.
Chief Judge Livingston has graciously shared her remarks for republication here.
September 24, 2024: U.S. District Court for the Western District of NY Selects New Magistrate Judge
The United States District Court for the Western District of New York has selected Colleen D. Holland as a new Magistrate Judge. Ms. Holland currently serves as Special Counsel to Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. She fills the Magistrate Judge vacancy created by the retirement of Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, effective January 4, 2025. Ms. Holland will be sworn in and hold court at the Kenneth B. Keating United States Courthouse in Rochester, New York. For the press release and more information, click here.
August 16, 2024: Joint Statement from GRAWA, RBBA and MCBA
The Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA), the Rochester Black Bar Association (RBBA), and the Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) congratulate Hon. Meredith Vacca who was sworn in on Monday, August 5, as a United States District Judge for the Western District of New York. Judge Vacca is the first woman of color and the first Asian American to be a judge for New York’s Western District.
In February, prior to the selection process, GRAWA, RBBA, and the MCBA sent a joint letter to Senator Charles Schumer urging him to make a recommendation for this judicial vacancy that enhances the diversity of the federal bench, and Judge Vacca’s does just that.
August 5, 2024: Hon. Meredith Vacca Sworn In as United States District Judge for the Western District of New York
Meredith A. Vacca was sworn in on August 5 as a United States District Judge for the Western District of New York. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, Chief Judge, presided over the private ceremony held at the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in Rochester, New York, surrounded by family, friends and court personnel. Judge Vacca was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on May 14, 2024, as an Article III judge, and confirmed by the full senate on July 31, 2024, receiving her commission from the President on August 1, 2024. Judge Vacca is filling the vacancy left when Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. assumed senior status on April 1, 2023. As a United States District Judge, Judge Vacca has a lifetime appointment.
For the full press release, click here.
June 7, 2024: Public Notice - Order Creating a Merit Selection Panel to Fill the Vacancy of a WDNY Magistrate Judge
On behalf of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford has ordered that a Merit Selection Panel be appointed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §631 and the Regulations of the Judicial Conference of the United States. The Panel will review applications for the magistrate judge position and report to the Court, within at least 90 days of the date of this Order, the individuals it recommends for appointment to this position.
The Merit Selection Panel shall consist of the following individuals:
Hon. Debra A. Martin (Ret.) (Chair)
Rachel Adonis (non-lawyer)
T. Andrew Brown, Esq.
David L. Cook, Esq.
Jon P. Getz, Esq.
Heidi Schult Gregory, Esq.
Richard A. McGuirk, Esq.
Kit Miller (non-lawyer)
Liz Novak-Henderson (non-lawyer)
Peter J. Pullano, Esq.
Connie Walker, Esq.
The Administrative Order setting forth the panel membership and duties is available for review in the Office of the Clerk in both the Kenneth B. Keating United States Courthouse, Rochester and the Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse, Buffalo.
April 30: Public Notice for Appointment of New Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District Of New York - Rochester
The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the Western District of New York with a duty station at the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building in Rochester. The essential function of the Court is to dispense justice.
Applications must be submitted by a single PDF document to magistrate_applications@nywd.uscourts.gov by Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Click here to read the full announcement.
February 26, 2024: Letter Sent to Senator Schumer re: Vacancy in the Western District of New York in Rochester
On February 9, RBBA President Peachie L. Jones, GRAWA Immediate Past President Josie Sheppard Wilson, and MCBA Immediate Past President Langston McFadden appeared on WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson to discuss the recent bench vacancy for the Western District of New York.. If you missed the live version of this informative discussion, you can listen on the WXXI website here: https://www.wxxinews.org/show/connections
In response to that conversation, Senator Schumer’s office reached out to bar leaders. As a follow up, on Friday, February 23, the three local bar associations are sending an open letter to Senator Schumer with more details and a call to bring both gender and racial diversity to the bench with the open seat. Click here for a copy of the letter.
We are heartened that Senator Schumer’s staff has already been in contact and will continue to keep you posted on this important issue. If you’re so inclined, we encourage you to reach out directly to Senator Schumer, sharing in our call for diversity on our federal court bench.
February 6, 2024: MCBA Unveils Value Discovery Committee
Chaired by Siddharth Bahl, the Value Discovery Committee was formed with the stated purpose of helping “modernize” the MCBA and the services it provides to its members. The Value Discovery Committee’s objectives are to assess our members’ needs, analyze what other bar associations are doing, and develop concrete actions items and ideas for the consideration of the Board of Trustees.
Committee members include:
- Hon. Maija Dixon, Rochester City Court
- Jessica Clemente, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP
- Stephanie Federoka, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC
- Bridget Kehm, Law Offices of Pullano & Farrow PLLC
- Danielle Wild, Danielle C. Wild, Attorney at Law
- Curtis Jones, Product Integration & Mfg
February 2, 2024: Diverse Lawyer Empowerment Initiative, an MCBA Mentorship Program
The MCBA is thrilled to announce the launch of its Diverse Lawyer Empowerment Initiative, an MCBA Mentorship Program, sponsored by the President's Commission on Anti-Racism.
This dynamic initiative was developed to support the career development of lawyers from disadvantaged and historically underrepresented backgrounds, including racial/ethnic minority lawyers by helping them form deep connections with leaders in the legal community, and help them develop and refine skills needed to thrive and build successful careers at their respective organizations.
The President's Commission is looking for sponsors - lawyers with at least 10 years of legal experience who are passionate about giving back to the legal community - to be paired up with protégés, lawyers from the appropriate backgrounds with less than 8 years of experience who are eager to grow your career while being mentored by accomplished legal professionals.
Why Join the Program?
Sponsorship: Protégés will benefit from one-on-one sponsorship from experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights and guidance to advance their legal careers.
Networking: Sponsors will have the opportunity to connect with talented lawyers and help shape the future of the legal community in Monroe County.
To apply to be a sponsor, please visit here: https://mcba.org/docDownload/2313627
To apply to be a protégé, please visit here: https://mcba.org/docDownload/2313620
You are invited to be part of this transformative one-year program that will not only empower individuals but also elevate our local legal community. Please submit applications to Kevin Ryan at kryan@mcba.org by February 20. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin.
January 8, 2024: Call for Nominations - MCBA Awards!
The Awards Committee, chaired by Mark Funk, is seeking nominations for the Adolph J. Rodenbeck Award, Emerging Bar Leader Award, Justin L. Vigdor Senior Award for Service, Outstanding Jurist Award and The Raymond J. Pauley Award.
More information can be found on the Awards page here: https://mcba.org/?pg=AwardsCommittee
January 5, 2024: Revised Form - Request for Judicial Intervention – Commercial Division Addendum (UCS-840C)
Please see Administrative Order AO/18/24, prescribing a revised form, Request for Judicial Intervention – Commercial Division Addendum (UCS-840C), (Ex. A), for use in civil practice in the Supreme and County Courts, effective January 10, 2024.
Click here for the revised form
December 5, 2023: Congratulations to the 2024 Leadership Academy Class!
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November 13, 2023: The Hon. Daniel J. Doyle has released new local rules for the Commercial Division - 7th Judicial District.
The new rules may be found here: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/comdiv/7thdistrict.shtml
September 7, 2023: Hon. Daniel J. Doyle has been appointed as Supervising Judge for the Civil Supreme Court in the 7th Judicial District
The Honorable Daniel J. Doyle has been appointed as Supervising Judge for the Civil Supreme Court in the 7th Judicial District effective immediately. Justice Doyle will continue to serve in the Commercial Division while taking on this administrative role overseeing all civil court operations throughout the eight counties in the 7th Judicial District.
July 1, 2023: NYS Biennial CLE Requirement Now Includes Cybersecurity Requirement
Do you know about the new cybersecurity requirement effective July 1? Newly admitted and experienced attorneys due to re-register on or after July 1, 2023 (birthday is on or after July 1) must complete at least 1.0 CLE credit hour in Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection as part of their biennial CLE requirement. See CLE Program Rules 22 NYCRR 1500.22(a).
The MCBA has you covered! On May 16, 2023, our Technology & Law Practice Committee presented “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy 101,” which carries a full credit of the new category. To watch the recording of the program, click here.
June 7, 2023: Hon. J. Scott Odorisi Appointed to Court of Claims
On June 7, Governor Hochul announced the appointment of Supreme Court Justice J. Scott Odorisi to the Court of Claims. Justice Odorisi will continue to serve as an Acting JSC in the Hall of Justice until mid-August, and will then move to the Court of Claims and handle that work exclusively, upon Hon. Debra Martin's retirement on August 11. Hon. Daniel J. Doyle will be taking over Justice Odorisi’s roles handling the Commercial Division and serving as District-Wide Coordinating Judge for Civil Assignments; and Rochester City Court Judge Latoya Lee will take over as the Coordinating Judge for Rochester Teen Court.
March 26, 2023: Judge Doran to Lead Panel on Implementing Pandemic-Related Innovations
Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro and Acting Chief Administrative Judge Tamiko Amaker yesterday announced the establishment of a blue-ribbon team of experts tasked with implementing recommendations that will build on pandemic-related innovations to improve the administration of justice. The Court Modernization Action Committee (CMAC) comprises leaders of the court system and the bar, members of the community, court users and justice partners. Supreme Court Justice Craig Doran of the Seventh Judicial District will chair the new committee. For more information, click here.
February 15, 2023: Working Group on NY Courts' Pandemic-Related Practices Calls for Investment in Technology, Increased Staffing
The NYS Unified Court System has released a report from the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts’ Pandemic Practices Working Group (PPWG), chaired by MCBA member Hon. Craig J. Doran, NYS Supreme Court Justice. The report calls for, among other things, the expansion of remote proceedings, enhancement of the court system’s technological capacity, and an increase in court staffing. For details about the PPWG and for the report, please click here. We appreciate the work of the working group to provide recommendations to help improve delivery of justice going forward and better enable the courts to serve New Yorkers in the event of another public health crisis or other emergency.
