The mission of the association is to cultivate the science of jurisprudence; promote reform in the law; facilitate the administration of justice; and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, professional skill, and courtesy in the legal profession.
In 1896, NYSBA proposed the first global means for settling disputes among nations, what is now called the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
[7] On December 17, 2008, the administrative committee of the New York courts announced that it had adopted a heavily modified version of the Model Rules, effective April 1, 2009.
The New York State Bar has sought legislation to simplify and update court procedures; advocates to raise judicial standards and to enhance voluntary pro bono cases; established systems for maintaining the integrity of the profession; and provides public education and legal services to the indigent.
The control and administration of the state bar is vested in the House of Delegates, the decision and policy-making body of the association.