New York Lawyers Association Honors Judge Richard Sullivan

The New York County Lawyers Association presented Judge Richard Sullivan with the prestigious Edward Weinfeld Award.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Awards

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a marble column base in a New York courthouse, evoking a sense of legal tradition. — The New York County Lawyers Association honored Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Sullivan with the Edward Weinfeld Award this week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does honoring judges with professional awards increase your trust in the local judicial system?

The New York County Lawyers Association honored Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard Sullivan at its annual autumn luncheon. The award recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to justice and mentorship consistent with the legacy of Edward Weinfeld.

Why it matters

The award celebrates the career of Judge Sullivan, who previously served 11 years as a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of New York. It highlights a tradition of recognizing jurists who carry forward the influence of Weinfeld, a prominent federal judge.

The New York County Lawyers Association has presented the Edward Weinfeld award for over 25 years. The ceremony featured four dozen federal judges in attendance.

The players

Richard Sullivan

He is a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 79-16 vote.

New York County Lawyers Association

This legal organization represents professionals in the city and hosts an annual luncheon to present judicial awards.

Edward Weinfeld

He was a federal judge on the Manhattan bench for 38 years and serves as the namesake for the association's justice award.

Hector Gonzalez

He serves as a U.S. Eastern District Judge and presided over the introduction of the award recipient.

The details

U.S. Eastern District Judge Hector Gonzalez introduced Sullivan during the New York City event. The award honors the memory of Edward Weinfeld, who served on the Manhattan federal court bench for 38 years between 1950 and 1988.

Edward Weinfeld began his tenure on the bench in 1950.
Edward Weinfeld served until his death in 1988.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Richard Sullivan in 2018.
The association held its annual autumn luncheon on October 20, 2026.

Culture Shift

This award highlights the enduring legacy of the Edward Weinfeld judicial standards in the contemporary legal community. It reflects a broader institutional focus on mentorship and the preservation of long-standing professional values within the federal judiciary.

The event reinforces professional connections within the New York City legal sector. Local attorneys and participants may use these networking opportunities to further their professional development within the federal court system.

The takeaway

The recognition of Judge Sullivan underscores the continued importance of mentorship in the legal profession. Professionals can implement these values by seeking out mentors who uphold long-standing institutional standards of justice.