At the suggestion of Chief Judge Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York, the Federal Bar Association and Network of Bar Leaders yesterday hosted a reception to honor the office of the Federal Defender and the new Chief Federal Defender David Patton. Almost 150 judges, assistant United States Attorneys, and lawyers attended the reception. It was an incredible turnout for an incredibly good cause.
The FBA is at the forefront of efforts to rescue our Federal Courts and its major segments from the ravages of sequestration.
Chief Federal Defender David Patton spoke movingly of the havoc that budget cuts have made on his office and its mission to protect indigent defendants, including unpaid furloughs for all employees.
It was heartwarming to see the mutual respect and support from the many Assistant United States Attorneys in attendance, including Deputy United States Attorney Richard Zabel, who also gave an impassioned speech in support of the mission of the Federal Defenders.
Chief Judge Preska and FBA Second Circuit Vice President Ray Dowd also gave notable remarks in support of the Federal Defenders.
And here are the honorees and judicial sponsors of the event:
Front Row (Left to Right): Judge Cathy Seibel, Richard Zabel, Eugenie Montaigne (FDNY), Anna E. Finkel (FDNY),
Nancy Mao (FDNY), Jennifer L.Brown (Attorney-in-Charge, FDNY), Seth Orman (FDNY), Giselle Villanueva (FDNY),
Rachel Gregory (FDNY) Colleen P. Cassidy (FDNY) Roland Thau (FDNY), Kimbel Joseph (FDNY) and Judge Deborah A. Batts.
Back Row (Left to Right): Christopher A. Flood (FDNY), Robert M. Baum (FDNY), Jonathan A. Marvinny (FDNY),
Mark B. Gombiner (FDNY), David E. Patton (Executive Director & Attorney-in-Chief, FDNY), Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska,
Raphaella Friedman (FDNY), Wanda Toro (FDNY), Karen Van Outryve (FDNY), Glenn Almas (FDNY), Heidi Van Es (FDNY),
and Peggy Cross-Goldenberg (FDNY).
These photos can only suggest the support of the assembled audience for our Federal Defenders. They are a crucial element of the administration of justice in our Federal Court. If we don’t provide them with all the tools they need, justice is not being done.
On behalf of the officers of our chapter, I hope you will help us in our effort to reinstate the funding necessary for the mission of the Federal Defenders.