Judge Adam Silvera recognized as a legal leader at Bar Foundation event

November 19, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Guests, including Aimee Richter, past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association (far left), gather at the New York Bar Foundation’s Leadership Laureate event. Photo: Jefferson Siegel/OCA

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The New York Bar Foundation celebrated its inaugural Leadership Laureate Series on Oct. 29, where it recognized prominent figures in the legal community. The event, held in New York City, honored Stephen Younger with the Force for Justice Award and acknowledged Judge Adam Silvera for his advocacy work and recent appointment as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts.

Foundation President Justice Cheryl Chambers presents the Force for Justice Award to Stephen Younger. Photo courtesy of the NY Bar Foundation

Younger, a senior counsel at Withers Worldwide and a past president of the New York State Bar Association, was commended for his longstanding commitment to social justice. His legal career spans more than 35 years, during which he has represented indigent defendants in clemency and appeal cases.

“Steve Younger’s efforts to advance social justice are remarkable,” said Justice Cheryl Chambers, president of the Foundation. “During his distinguished career, he has represented countless criminal defendants in desperate need of a lawyer to argue their appeals or fight for clemency. As a bar leader, he has been an unwavering Force for Justice; he gives of both his time and money, and New Yorkers are better off because he is an integral part of the Foundation’s collective philanthropy.”

In accepting the award, Younger discussed the importance of the Foundation’s mission. “It is a real honor to be recognized by the New York Bar Foundation for my contributions to the profession and to bar leadership,” he said. “It gives me the opportunity to reflect on the Foundation’s role as a pillar of support for our profession and a champion for access to justice for almost 75 years.”

Judge Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts, delivers special remarks during the New York Bar Foundation’s Leadership Laureate event. Judge Silvera, recognized for his leadership and advocacy for affordable housing and equal justice, was honored for his recent appointment and his dedication to serving New York’s most vulnerable communities. Photo courtesy of the NY Bar Foundation

The Foundation also celebrated the achievements of Judge Adam Silvera, who has built a reputation as a dedicated advocate for affordable housing and equal justice.

“He has proven himself to be an exceptional judicial leader and has consistently shown his dedication to the community by advocating for affordable housing, addressing unmet access to justice needs, and serving the boards of nonprofit organizations,” Justice Chambers said of Justice Silvera.

Hon. Silvera said, “I appreciate the Foundation’s support, and I am honored by the recognition of my recent appointment.”

The event, sponsored by Dunnington Bartholow and Miller, also served as a platform to discuss the Foundation’s role in providing grants to nonprofit organizations and supporting access to justice initiatives. Justice Chambers explained the importance of philanthropy in legal services alongside remarks from Catherine Christian, Raymond Dowd, and Cathy Cramer, executive director of Family Legal Care.