The purpose of the Section is to promote equality in the law for LGBTQ people; eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ attorneys and litigants; promote equality of opportunity for, and increase the visibility of, contributions made by LGBTQ attorneys; and promote diversity in the bench by inclusion of all minorities, including LGBTQ people.
To learn more about this Section, please contact Ernesto Guerrero
eguerrero@nysba.org
(518) 487-5535
Christopher R. Riano
Christopher R. Riano is Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education and a Lecturer in Constitutional Law and Government at Columbia University. Riano has served as an Assistant Counsel for the Governor of New York, and as the first LGBTQ General Counsel to the New York State Liquor Authority. At the time he was the youngest General Counsel appointed at a New York state agency. He also serves as the Chair of the LGBTQ People and the Law Section for the New York State Bar Association.
From 2013 to 2015, as Chair of Columbia’s Rules of University Conduct Committee, Riano spearheaded the implementation of the most comprehensive changes to the rules on free speech and free expression at Columbia in over 30 years.
Previously, Riano was Partner and Head of the Strategic Practice Group at Drohan Lee LLP, and served as an Administrative Law Judge for New York State. He lives in New York, NY.
Online Community
New York State Bar Association Files Amicus Brief With U.S. Supreme Court To Protect LGBTQ Rights And Foster Children
State Bar endorses civil marriage to provide full equity to same-sex couples and families – June 2009
Report of the Special Committee to Study Issues Affecting Same-Sex Couples – 2004
Marriage Equality Act – 2011
LGBTQ Law Section Committee
LGBTQ+ Vanguard Award
The 2023 LGBTQ+ Vanguard Award
The LGBTQ Law Section wishes to celebrate the amazing dedication and achievement that members of the community have given to the legal profession. As more LGBTQ+ persons attend law school, join NYSBA, seek leadership positions and career support, and demand greater equality in the law and parity in the workforce, we have a responsibility to celebrate those LGBTQ+ and allied lawyers in their tireless work in ensuring the future prosperity and success of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are thousands of LGBTQ+ lawyers and allies in New York, who for decades have been at the forefront of the profession. In many cases, they have been the lawyers and advocates who have made social change possible at the state and national level. It is critical to celebrate these incredible people for their drive and ambition that has made it possible for the LGBTQ+ community to come closer to true equality.
Contact: eguerrero@nysba.org
Nomination Deadline: October 26, 2022
Date Presented: 2023 Annual Meeting
Prize Awarded: The recipient will receive a recognition award and a complimentary one-year membership in the Association and the LGBTQ Law Section
PAST RECIPIENTS
2022– Michelle Kahn, Esq., Kahn & Goldberg, LLP (Inaugural Award)
President Karson’s Statement on President Biden’s Decision to Lift Restrictions on Transgender Service Members (January 25, 2021)
Breathe Into It: How Intentional Breathing Can Help You Manage Stress
The Rainbow Workforce: Panel Discussion with LGBTQ+ Identified Recent Grads and Law Students
NY Law Student Virtual Coffee Hour: LGBTQ+ Law and Policy During the Biden Administration
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
