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.