Honor Ben Ostrer’s Pro Bono

Senate Resolution No. 3665 BY: Senator LARKIN HONORING Benjamin Ostrer upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Empire State Counsel Outstanding Pro Bono Volunteer by the New York State Bar Association WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Benjamin Ostrer upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Empire State Counsel Outstanding Pro Bono Volunteer by the New York State Bar Association; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Alfred University and New York Law School, Benjamin Ostrer was admitted to practice in New York in 1977; he was also admitted before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and in the District Courts of the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts; and WHEREAS, The owner of Ostrer Associates, P.C., a private practice located in Chester, New York, Benjamin Ostrer has tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and has successfully litigated appeals before the New York State Court of Appeals and Appellate Divisions; he regularly accepts pro bono matters on behalf of individuals accused of serious crimes; and WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Benjamin Ostrer has graciously donated hundreds of hours of his valuable time helping others, whether it is fighting for criminal defendants, editing "Atticus," a publication of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, or serving as a panelist at numerous CLE programs; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Benjamin Ostrer is a vital member of the Board of the Criminal Justice Section of the NYSBA and the Legal Aid Society of Orange County; he also served as President of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; and WHEREAS, Benjamin Ostrer is truly a compassionate man; for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to helping others, he was the recipient of the 2016 Charles F. Crimi Award; and WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a period of constructive involvement, Benjamin Ostrer has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Benjamin Ostrer has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Benjamin Ostrer upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Empire State Counsel Outstanding Pro Bono Volunteer by the New York State Bar Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Benjamin Ostrer.