NYSBA Mourns Passing of Former President Robert Ostertag
7.15.2021
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) today is saddened by the loss of longtime Poughkeepsie attorney Robert L. Ostertag, who served as its president from 1991-1992.
“Bob Ostertag was a tremendous leader of our association for decades,” said NYSBA President T. Andrew Brown. “He understood better than anyone how bar associations can serve solo and small-firm lawyers. During his presidency, he created a statewide conference, which developed 100 recommendations to help solo and small firm practitioners in New York. He was also the first chair of our General Practice Section.
“Bob was known throughout the legal community for his wit, empathy, and dedication to the profession he loved,” added Brown. “On behalf of the association, I extend our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Past NYSBA President David P. Miranda also remembers Ostertag as a vigorous advocate for solo and small firm lawyers across New York State.
“I recall Bob as a champion for the little guy, the underdog,” said Miranda. “As past president, Bob would often rise in the association’s House of Delegates to speak out eloquently about a cause of injustice involving a person or group that needed a voice.”
Ostertag’s passion for the underdog was evident in his private life too, as he was a devoted New York Mets fan. In 2018, at age 87, Bob was recognized for having attended every Mets home opener for 55 years and was allowed to throw out the first pitch at an August game.
A partner at Ostertag O’Leary Barrett & Faulkner, Ostertag was an active member of NYSBA since the 1950s. He also served on the House of Delegates, as a vice-president, and member-at-large of its Executive Committee. He chaired the Special Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practice, Special Committee on Judicial Campaign Monitoring, Special Committee on the Future of the Profession, Committee on the Unlawful Practice of Law, Special Committee on Courthouse Facilities, and the Law Office Economics and Management Committee.
About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.
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Contact: Susan DeSantis
sdesantis@nysba.org
201-575-5756
