Members are welcome to join a Committee, Section, or Division and are encouraged to assist with their goals and objectives.
The Committees of the Association work closely with its Officers to assist in the management of the affairs of the Association.
Community Outreach and Pro Bono Committee
The goal of the Committee is to serve, educate and empower members of the Black community dynamic programs, pro bono initiatives and/or focused assistance.
Fundraising & Development Committee
The goal of the Committee is to raise financial and other resources for the Association by:
- assisting Board members in their own fundraising efforts;
- recruiting potential donors and corporate partnerships; and
- lead or assist in the planning of fundraising events.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is chaired by the MBBA’s Vice Chair for Membership. The committee is responsible for facilitating the association’s sustainability and growth by recruiting new members, retaining current members and reengaging past members.
Nominations and Governance
Members of the Nominations and Governance Committee are appointed on an annual basis by the President of the Association. Committee has responsibility to:
- develop and provide oversight of:
- implementation of policies and procedures regarding Board size, leadership and composition,
- recommendations of candidates for nomination to the Board, and (c) Board guidelines;
- determine qualifications and characteristics required to become a director;
- identify and screen individuals who are qualified to serve as directors;
- create, revise andoversee the process for nomination and election or appointment to the Board, and its committees, or to fill Board vacancies;
- assist in orientation programs for newly appointed directors;
- coordinate and oversee self-evaluations of the Board and its committees; and
- review on a regular basis the overall governance ofthe Association and recommend improvements for approval by the Board whereappropriate.
Programs & CLE Committee
The Committee, which is chaired by the Vice President of Programs and is developing programming; coordinating programs developed by the sections.
Public Policy & Advocacy Committee
The Committee is responsible for reviewing pending legislation for items which it thinks will have impact on the members of the Association or its natural constituency; and after bringing the items and its recommendations before the Board and the Association, taking such action as the Board or the Association deems proper.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section
Coordinates programs that affect the field of arbitration, mediation, conciliation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, including review of current and proposed legislation.
Civil Litigation Practice Section
Provides programs that focus on the law, procedure, practice, techniques and changes to the civil law practice in New York.
Civil Rights
Our mission will include working to eliminate processes that marginalize and dehumanize people–all people. We will focus on approaches that enable us to create the greatest possible amount or degree of transformative change. Our mission to maximize our efforts and impact will be supported by our commitment (i) to forward-thinking that builds on past efforts and movement work, (ii) to being open to unlearn and relearn ways of thinking, organizing, and advocating, and (iii) to never be satisfied with the status quo.
Corporate Law
Focused on providing timely programming on various transactional areas of law including State corporate laws, Corporate governance, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, federal securities laws and other issues related to business la.
Criminal Law Section
Provide timely and useful information relating to criminal justice and law enforcement matters to the community. Offer professional development opportunities for attorneys and respond to developing community concerns. Enhance communication and problem solving among attorneys and community members who regularly encounter issues relating to criminal law. Produce activities and programs that seek to ensure and promote criminal justice transparency, the public interest, and community well-being through leadership, advocacy, and education.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Section
Explores the intersection of technology with the law specifically in the areas of computer security and the protection of sensitive information. Programs and format will be flexible in order to remain relevant, but will focus on computer security laws, data breach repercussions, Constitutional privacy implications, and the legal aspects of current or future technologies.
Family Law Practice Section
Concerns itself with legislation and substantive law, the conduct of the judiciary, and general matters regarding the Family Court. Works on projects designed to improve the law and the administration of justice in the matrimonial law area.
Immigration Law Section
The Section will focus on U.S. laws and regulations, and that govern immigration as they affect the Black and minority communities.
Intellectual Property Section
The Section will coordinate programs and events that address national and international intellectual property laws, including but not limited copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Labor & Employment Section
The Labor and Employment Section is designed to serve all practitioners in this ever-emerging area of law, including plaintiff side, management, government and in-house attorneys. The Section seeks to keep its members abreast of changes in the field by hosting regular CLEs and prompting events and programs on topics of interest. The Section will also serve as a community for Labor and Employment practitioners to come together and discuss changes in the practice area, strategies, tips, and experiences to enhance our practice. Designed to serve all practitioners in this ever-emerging area of law, including plaintiff side, management, government and in-house attorneys. The L&E Section seeks to keep its members abreast of changes in the field by hosting regular CLEs and prompting events and programs on topics of interest. Will also serve as a community for Labor and Employment practitioners to come together and discuss changes in the practice area, strategies, tips, and experiences to enhance our practice.
Real Estate Section
Focuses on issues related to real property law, including ownership and use of property, commercial real estate transactions, leasing, development, financing, transfer, regulation, taxation and disposal of real property.
Sports & Entertainment Section
Focuses on domestic, international and regional issues dealing with the business and law of entertainment, art and sports law.
Tax Law Section
Reviews legislation and issues related to federal, state and municipal taxation, including legal questions related to the operation, formation and funding of not-for-profit organizations.
Trusts & Estates Law Section
Studies issues pertaining to the life planning and legal needs of individuals, including elderly persons, Medicaid, Medicare and other health benefits, trusts and estates, guardianships, advance directives and consumer rights.
Divisions allow individual members to network with one another and plan events that will allow members to support one another and expand their networks.
LGBTQ+ Division
Government and Public Interest Division
In-House Division
Provides a forum for in-house counsel from all industries to share information, best practices, and regulatory and policy issues that impact in-house attorneys.
Paralegal & Legal Professionals Division
Provides a forum for non-attorney legal professionals to engage, share best practices, and career development information.
Pre-Law & Law Student Division
One of the missions of the MBBA is to foster the study of law by encouraging the personal and professional development of young lawyers and law students. Law students are an integral part to the success of the MBBA. To achieve this objective, the MBBA has established a Law Student Liaison program. The role of a Law Student Liaison is to help build and nurture the relationship between members of the MBBA, law students, and MBBA leadership. Additionally, Law Student Liaisons will develop and maintain a network of Law Student Liaisons at local law schools to support law students. Responsibilities of the Division are to:
- Actively promote and encourage law student membership and engagement in MBBA.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of a network of Law Student Liaisons at local law schools.
- Assist with the development of programs and events targeted specifically for law students.
- Develop and maintain a list of contacts for affinity law student organizations at the law school and other law student organizations (e.g., NEBLSA, MetroLALSA).
- Act as MBBA’s primary point of contact for affinity law student organizations at the law school and other law student organizations.
- Create and/or coordinate programs at law schools e.g. career fairs/speaking engagements/general membership meeting for affinity law student organizations.
- Serve as connector between law students and MBBA leadership and members.
- Work with MBBA leadership and law students to produce law student content for MBBA publications, including social media channels.
Solo & Small Firms Division
Supports solo and small firm practitioners through improving the quality of the professional lives of its members; advising practitioners about programs and available services; sponsoring free evening seminars; and creating initiatives to assist less experienced practitioners.
Young Lawyers Division
Support young lawyers in their transition as a law school student to a practicing attorney by providing professional development, resources and networking opportunities. Section is committed to helping young lawyers reach their professional goals while simultaneously strengthening cohesion and retention within the legal community.