August 26, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON HONORS FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL ROBERT ABRAMS
State Justice Building in Albany Renamed the “Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice”
Governor David A. Paterson today honored former Attorney General Robert Abrams at a ceremony to dedicate the State Justice Building the “Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice.” The Governor signed an executive order in June directing that the building, located in the Empire State Plaza in Albany, be renamed. He was joined by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and other State officials.
“From his start in the State Assembly through his days in the Office of the Attorney General, Robert Abrams pursued justice. He ardently defended civil rights and he was an early crusader on behalf of consumers and our environment,” Governor Paterson said. “Bob has left an indelible mark on New York’s history and is a model for attorneys general throughout the country. His career embodies the rule of law and it is fitting that we rename the State Justice Building in honor of his service.”
“Every day of governmental service is an extraordinary moment in my life. My family and I are grateful to Governor Paterson for making this day possible,” former Attorney General Abrams said.
Former Attorney General Abrams devoted nearly 30 years to public service in New York, including four terms as Attorney General from 1979 until 1993. Prior to holding that office, he was elected for three terms to the New York State Assembly and also served for three terms as Bronx Borough President. He was President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), which presented him with the Wyman Award as the outstanding Attorney General in the nation in 1991. The NAAG honored him with the Bellotti Award in 2005, in recognition of his diligent work to further the Association’s mission, outstanding leadership abilities and high moral character.
The New York University School of Law has also commemorated former Attorney General Abrams with the creation of the Attorney General Robert Abrams Annual Public Service Lecture. The program has featured Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, former Senator and current Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, former Governor and current Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Governor James Doyle of Wisconsin and former Vermont Chief Justice Jeffrey Amestoy.
Since leaving government service, former Attorney General Abrams has been a partner in the law firm of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan.
A copy of Executive Order No. 20 is available at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/executive_orders/exeorders/eo_20.html.
