The Association of the Bar of the City of New York

NEW TASK FORCE CREATED TO ASSIST THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY INCARCERATED

The New York City Bar Association today announced the formation of a Task Force on Employment Opportunities for the Previously Incarcerated, to be chaired by Michael A. Cooper. The Task Force will examine issues facing persons who, upon being released from incarceration, seek employment in positions which pay a living wage and can lead to further employment possibilities and career development. The focus of the Task Force's effort will be on encouraging the legal community to improve employment opportunities for those who were formerly incarcerated.

"It is crucial that those who are released from jails or prisons have the chance to make a living wage and develop the financial and psychological underpinnings to lead productive and satisfying lives," said Association President Barry Kamins. "We hope this Task Force contributes to providing successful outcomes."

"The legal community can play a critical role in helping the previously incarcerated get back on their feet, by identifying and trying to expand upon employment opportunities within the legal profession," said Mr. Cooper, a former City Bar President and Of Counsel at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. "We have assembled a talented and knowledgeable task force and plan to work with other organizations that are devoted to bettering the prospects of the formerly incarcerated."

The members of the Task Force are:

Michael A. Cooper, former Partner and now Of Counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell

LLP; former City Bar Association President

Sharron Davis, Director-Human Resources, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

William J. Dean, Executive Director, Volunteers of Legal Service

Hon. Laura E. Drager, Supreme Court Justice, First Judicial District

Bettina B. Plevan, Partner, Proskauer Rose LLP; former City Bar Association President

Richard Roberts, Managing Director, Doe Fund Real Estate and Property Services

Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., Senior Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice

Robert C. Sheehan, Managing Partner, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP

Hon. George Bundy Smith, Partner, Chadbourne & Parke LLP and former Judge of the New York Court of Appeals

William Snipes, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Mindy Tarlow, Executive Director & CEO, Center for Employment Opportunities

Judith Whiting, Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Action Center and Chair, City Bar Committee on Corrections

About the Association
The New York City Bar Association (www.nycbar.org) was founded in 1870, and since then has been dedicated to maintaining the high ethical standards of the profession, promoting reform of the law, and providing service to the profession and the public. The Association continues to work for political, legal and social reform, while implementing innovative means to help the disadvantaged. Protecting the public’s welfare remains one of the Association’s highest priorities.