WNYTLA Mission

WNYTLA is open to all trial lawyers, civil or criminal, prosecution, plaintiff, and defense, without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability,  age, or political affiliation.

Our Mission

1. To assist trial attorneys and the courts in facilitating prompt and fair resolution of civil, family, estates, and criminal matters and act as a liaison between the members and the judiciary as to matters of common interest.
2. To foster camaraderie among the members of the trial bar and provide a forum for the trial bar to disseminate information and opinions for the benefit of its members.
3. To promote civility between and among advocates that enhances the legal process while appropriately representing clients.
4. To enhance the actual and perceived role of trial attorneys as vital members of society by encouraging civic involvement among our members, inculcating the highest ideals of trial practice and ethical standards, and encouraging others to pursue careers as trial lawyers.
5. To inspire others to follow the highest degree of ethics, civility, and professionalism while demonstrating outstanding trial advocacy skills.

We seek to accomplish this mission by meeting regularly as members in social and educational settings, sponsoring an annual ethics CLE/forum, actively and financially supporting mock trial/trial technique programs at the high school, college and law school levels,  annually recognizing an outstanding member of the Association with The John W. Cegielski Award for Civility in Trial Practice, encouraging our members to become actively engaged in the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Assigned Counsel Program, Aid to Indigent Prisoners, community and charity events that demonstrate our mutual commitment to excellence in all aspects of our lives, not just as trial lawyers but as members of our community, and by awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Bennett High School who has demonstrated academic success, ethical conduct, and a desire to pursue trial advocacy in future studies.