The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL) announces selection of Eric Lesh as Executive Director
The LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL) — one of the nation’s first and largest bar associations of the LGBT legal community — has hired Eric Lesh as the organization’s new Executive Director.
“We are so proud to welcome Eric to the LeGaL family,” said LeGaL President, Gennaro Savastano. “Eric is a staunch champion for the LGBTQ rights. For years, he has been passionately committed to educating, protecting, and advocating for our community on the issues that affect us most. Eric’s talents, voice, and vision will serve LeGaL well as he leads us into 2018, our 40th Anniversary, and beyond.”
Lesh joins LeGaL with a strong record of fighting for equality under the law and protecting marginalized members of society from discrimination. Previously, Lesh was the Fair Courts Project Director for Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the rights of LGBT people and people affected by HIV. In his role, Lesh focused on eliminating anti-LGBTQ bias in the legal system, increasing diversity of the judicial bench, and expanding access to justice in the courts. In 2017, Lesh was recognized by the National LGBT Bar Association as one of the 40 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40.
“I am thrilled to be joining LeGaL as the new Executive Director,” said Lesh. “I have long respected LeGaL’s path-breaking achievements as one of the oldest, largest and most effective LGBT bar associations in the country. Last year, LeGaL co-counseled with my colleagues at Lambda Legal in a case that resulted in an important victory for the rights of non-biological parents. In 2017, we all celebrated the history-making appointment of the first openly gay judge, the Hon. Paul Feinman, to the New York Court of Appeals. As we enter 2018, we look forward to celebrating LeGaL’s 40th Anniversary. I am so excited to work with our board, members, and staff to promote the advancement of LGBTQ legal professionals and improve the administration of the law. Above all, I am committed to ensuring that LeGaL serves the community by helping LGBTQ people access the rights and resources they need — particularly at a time when we are facing an attempt by the federal government to undo the legal progress we have secured. The work ahead is thrilling and it is critical.”
About LeGaL: Focused on the greater New York metropolitan area, LeGaL is dedicated to improving the administration of the law, ensuring full equality for members of the LGBTQ community, promoting the expertise and advancement of LGBTQ legal professionals, and serving the larger community.
