Chief Judge Rowan Wilson installs John Zaremba as 59th NYS Trial Lawyers Association president

After being sworn in by Court of Appeals Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, Zaremba used his induction speech to voice his commitment to pushing back against efforts to weaken the legal rights of injured New Yorkers and restrict access to the courts.

“Serving as president of NYSTLA is an honor, but more importantly, it is a responsibility,” Zaremba said at the event, held at Cipriani Broadway. “Our members are in courtrooms every day fighting for New Yorkers who deserve to be heard and treated fairly. I’m proud to lead this organization as we build on that work, strengthen the voice of the trial bar, and make sure the rights of injured New Yorkers are never pushed aside.”

Zaremba, a partner at Zaremba Brown PLLC, has been recognized in the New York Law Journal’s “Top Verdicts and Settlements” for each of the past 10 years. His message was echoed by the ceremony’s other speakers, including New York Attorney General Letitia James.

“The rule of law means that no one is above the law and no one is beneath its protection,” James said. “At a time when that principle must be defended, we need lawyers willing to stand up, speak out, and fight for the rights of New Yorkers. NYSTLA and its members have long answered that call.”

Ensuring easy access to the courts and strengthening the legal rights of injured New Yorkers are issues NYSTLA has frequently used its events to platform. The group used its June gala to push back against auto insurance reforms included in the state budget at Gov. Kathy Hochul’s urging, which it argued encroached on their injured clients’ rights and threatened the independence of the civil courts system. 

The reforms narrowed the definition of what constitutes a “serious injury” after a vehicle crash — a necessary requirement for a crash victim to be able to sue for damages — while also capping payouts for pain and suffering at $100,000; and holding that if an injured person is over 50% responsible for the crash, they can’t recover anything. Houch has said they will lower insurance costs and prevent bad actors from filing unjust cases.

Wilson used his speech at Wednesday’s event to say he believed NYSTLA and its members have repeatedly demonstrated a deep commitment to the administration of justice.

“Trial lawyers are essential to the proper functioning of our system of justice,” Wilson said. “They give New Yorkers a powerful voice in our courts and help ensure the delivery of equal justice.”

Wednesday’s event was also attended by a slew of other members of New York’s legal community, including Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, New York Court of Appeals Judge Jenny Rivera, Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System Joseph Zayas and Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne Renwick.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe and ensuring they have equal access to justice requires all of us to do our part,” Gonzalez said. “Prosecutors and civil trial lawyers often serve the same people at different moments, holding wrongdoers accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives. I congratulate NYSTLA’s new leadership and look forward to continuing our shared mission on behalf of everyone in Brooklyn and across our city.”

NYSTLA also used the evening to announce its eight newly elected officers for the 2026 term. 

The new officers included President-Elect Joseph Ciaccio of firm Napoli Shkolnik, First Vice President John Elefterakis of firm Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek, Second Vice President Eugene Gozenput of firm Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, Treasurer Rosemarie Bogdan of firm Harding Mazzotti, Deputy Treasurer Avinoam Laby of firm Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, Secretary Ingrid Heide of firm Trolman Glaser Corley & Lichtman P.C. and Parliamentarian Joon Hong of Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers.