Message from the Chair - Diane O'Connell

Diane O'ConnellWelcome to the New York State Bar Association’s International Section (the “International Section” or “Section”). The International Section is a dynamic and diverse group of attorneys located across the globe that practice international law. Membership in our Section provides numerous opportunities to meet and network with other international attorneys and stay current with important developments in international law through seminars, conferences, publications and events, including our seasonal meeting in Tokyo, Japan on November 4-6, 2019.

The Section currently has more than 40 substantive law committees, and, if you practice outside of the United States, over 65 chapters internationally. There are committees on areas of interest such as: International Cybersecurity, Human Rights, Trade, Banking, Corporate Counsel, Arbitration, Litigation and Tax. There are chapters in locations such as London, Colombia, Beijing, Sao Paolo, and Singapore, with members in nearly every jurisdiction around the world.  So, whatever your interest or location, the International Section has something for everyone, everywhere.

We welcome you to attend any number of our committee programs and to join our Section, including any of the committees that reflect your areas of interest and practice.  As a member, you will be provided with opportunities to participate as an organizer, speaker or attendee at our programs and networking events and to contribute your views on the Section’s discussion forums, all providing additional networking and exposure for you and your practice.

For reference, our International Section publications include: 

  • The New York International Law Review, which provides substantive articles related to the practice of international law on such topics as NAFTA, the collection of money judgments outside the U.S., foreign direct investments and trade agreements
  • The International Law Practicum, which features peer-written, substantive articles relating to the practical needs of attorneys in an international setting, emphasizing clinical matters and exploring the application of international law for the generalist.

A list of our events and sponsored programs can be found at www.nysba.org/ilp

The International Section aims to fulfill the professional needs of those interested in and practicing public or private international law while maintaining a network of attorneys that collaborate regularly and have fun doing so. We hope to see you at one of our events and to welcome you as a member. 

Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] if you are interested in joining this vibrant and exciting group. You can also always contact the New York State Bar Association’s Member Resource Center at [email protected]518.463.3200/800.582.2452, with any membership or Section question. 

With warm regards,
Diane E. O’Connell

Section Chair
NYSBA Member Since 2002