Monroe County Bar Association

06/01/2026

We’re excited to share the news that MCBA member Timothy P. Lyster has been selected as the next United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of New York in Rochester.

The MCBA has been fortunate to benefit from Tim’s leadership, dedication, and service. Most recently, he served as our President-Elect this past year. Over the years, he has been an active leader within the Association, contributing his time, talent, and thoughtful perspective to strengthen our legal community.

While we will certainly miss his leadership within the MCBA, we know he will bring those same qualities — and the exceptional judgment, integrity, and experience that have defined his career — to the bankruptcy bench.

Please join us in congratulating Tim on this well-deserved appointment and wishing him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter of service to the Western District of New York. We look forward to working with Tim in his new role!

Read the full announcement here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:ac230948-a8be-4093-90a9-a640d9f42e93?x_api_client_id=chrome_extension_viewer&x_api_client_location=share&locale=en-US&theme=light&page_theme=light

05/28/2026

We hope to see you tonight at Flight Wine Bar! 20% of your purchases between 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. go to the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar.

Join us for an evening that brings our legal community together and gives back in a meaningful way.

The Foundation of the Monroe County Bar Association invites you to Raise a Glass to Our Community: An Evening Benefiting Your Bar Foundation. Join us for a special fundraiser supporting programs that make a real difference across Rochester and Monroe County.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Flight Wine Bar (262 Exchange Blvd.)

Enjoy great food, drinks, and conversation — while supporting impactful initiatives like the DEAFund, Rochester Teen Court, CASA, Empire Justice Center, the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, and more. Best of all, 20% of all purchases during the evening will directly benefit the Foundation.

This is one of those easy “yes” events—come as you are, bring a colleague or friend, and know that simply showing up helps strengthen access to justice and support vital community programs.

No RSVP needed -- We hope to see you there!

Add to your calendar here: https://mcba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=323152&evSubAction=listAll

05/20/2026

Join us for “Raise a Glass to Our Community: An Evening Benefiting Your Bar Foundation” on Thursday, May 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Flight Wine Bar.

During the evening, 20% of all purchases will benefit the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar, which supports organizations and programs throughout Rochester and Monroe County, including Rochester Teen Court, CASA, Empire Justice Center, the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, DEAFund, Leadership Academy, and many others through grants and community partnerships.

It’s a great opportunity to gather informally with colleagues while supporting important work in our community.

05/17/2026

Happy Graduation Day! University at Buffalo School of Law

🎓 To the UB School of Law Class of 2026, and everyone graduating from law school this spring, we congratulate you on all you have accomplished so far, and wish you the best as you embark on your next steps! WNY is fortunate to have a wonderful legal community, and we are excited to welcome you into it- your colleagues are here for you and are rooting for you. ⚖️

05/14/2026

MCBA was proud to partner with the 7th Judicial District and our fellow bar associations.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to MCBA Trustee Brian Jacek!

🌟 Leadership in Action: Brian Jacek 🌟

We’re proud to celebrate our Deputy Executive Director Brian Jacek for being recognized by the MCBA Young Lawyers Section with the Community Advocate Award at their recent Silent Auction event for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Brian’s leadership extends far beyond his role at JustCause. Through his work with Teen Court, he has dedicated his time to mentoring young people, promoting accountability, and helping shape positive outcomes for youth in our community. His willingness to give back, whether through programs like Teen Court or broader community initiatives, reflects a deep commitment to service and leadership.

Brian consistently leads with purpose, compassion, and integrity, and we are grateful for the impact he continues to make both within our organization and throughout the Rochester community.

Congratulations, Brian, on this well deserved recognition! 👏

📷️ Pictured: Brian Jacek & Rochester City Court Judge LaToya S. Lee.

05/08/2026

🌺 Join Us in Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month 🌺

The GRAWA and 7th Judicial District Embracing Our Community AANHPI Heritage Month Committee invite you to a special Fireside Chat & Awards Ceremony honoring the rich contributions and leadership of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities.

The event will feature distinguished panelists Hon. Zainab Chaudhry (NYS Court of Claims), Hon. Kris Singh (Administrative Judge, 4th JD), Sonali R. Suvvaru, Esq. (Wayne County Support Magistrate), and Hon. Vikram S. Vilkhu (Brighton Town Justice), with a special AANHPI Trailblazer Award presented to Judge Singh!

This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” highlights the impact and achievements of AANHPI leaders within our legal community and beyond.

📅 Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:15 PM
📍 Location: Courtroom 404, Monroe County Hall of Justice
💻 Virtual Option: Join via Teams (QR code on flyer)

🍽️ Food sampling will be available!

Come connect, learn, and celebrate with us!

05/04/2026