By Christina Cagnina The theme of Law Day 2026, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” was incredibly topical, important and well-chosen. As a long-time defense attorney, I was very excited to have had the opportunity to join Judge Katz on April 16, 2026, to...
Announcements & News
Gen-AI Functions as an Interlocutor: Why United States v. Heppner Seems to Get Privilege Right
By Michael Langan, Mia Herrera, and Tara Nugent[1] Courts and commentators have both begun to grapple with whether the use of generative artificial intelligence (“gen-AI”) waives attorney-client privilege and/or work product protection. So far this year, federal...
When Telling the Truth Was a Crime: NDNY Reenacts the Zenger Trial
A newspaper publisher repeatedly prints biting commentary critical of the Governor. Incensed, the Governor instigates a grand jury investigation. The grand jury refuses to indict. Undeterred, the Governor’s ally – the Attorney General – files misdemeanor charges...
President’s Message: America at 250: Courts, Continuity, and the Work Ahead
By Brian Butler As the summer begins, our federal court community finds itself at a meaningful intersection of history and present responsibility. This year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, a moment that invites reflection not only on where we...
NDNY Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Courthouse Events in Syracuse and Albany
By Tara Nugent[1] The Northern District of New York organized elegant tributes to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebrations took place on June 9 at the James T. Foley Courthouse in Albany, and on June 11 at the James M. Hanley Federal...
Introducing Two New NDNY-FCBA Member Benefits: Our Membership Directory & Career Center
New Member Resources Are Here!
The Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association is pleased to announce two new member-exclusive resources designed to help our members build professional connections, grow their practices, and advance their careers. Check out the new
NDNY-FCBA Membership Directory and Career Center!
Members: Update Your Attorney Profile Today!
Updating your attorney profile takes only a few minutes and helps us maintain and accurate and up-to-date membership directory!
First Decade Committee Hosts Lunches with Members of the Federal Judiciary Across the District
Join the NDNY-FCBA First Decade Committee for a luncheon series bringing attorneys together with members of the federal judiciary in an informal setting. Held across the Northern District of New York, each session will feature a different federal judge and offer a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the bench, ask questions, and connect with colleagues.
Speaking with … DLA Piper’s Bob Alessi About the Defense Team’s Win in the Karen Read Retrial
Robert Alessi, a partner in DLA Piper’s New York City office, has deep NDNY roots. Born and raised in Oneida County, Bob attended both college and law school in Albany, raised his children in the Town of Bethlehem, and regularly practices in the Northern District of...
Introducing Our Pro Se Assistance Program Attorneys
The FCBA’s Pro Se Assistance Program provides invaluable support to individuals navigating federal court without legal representation. The program relies on dedicated attorneys who have the temperament and expertise to help pro se litigants better understand court...
President’s Message: Upholding the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence in an Era of Intimidation
By Brian Butler Recent events reflect a troubling trend: intimidation tactics directed at members of the judiciary—ranging from coordinated online harassment and doxing to courthouse disruptions and false emergency reports, or “swatting” —that are inconsistent with...
Take 5 Minutes to Give Us Your Opinion!
The NDNY Federal Court Bar Association is committed to offering programming and events that reflect the interests and needs of our membership and the broader community of federal practitioners. As we look ahead, we are seeking your input on the future of our Annual Golf Tournament, as well as other member programming and networking opportunities.





