Announcing: Lawyers For Norman Siegel

On the morning of Friday, March 28, we had our kick-off Lawyers For Norman Siegel event, a discussion between Norman and twenty other lawyers representing many different firms.

Steven Hyman, who was Chairman of the Board while Norman was director of the NYCLU, introduced him, recalled how the Norman made the organization more effective and responsive to the needs of New Yorkers. Norman put forth his argument that the Public Advocate's office is designed for an outsider to the political arena--one with a Norman's unique expertise and Norman's demonstrated willingness to do battle with the city on behalf of the people.

As Public Advocate, Norman will integrate lawyer-volunteers from across the city into the watchdog work and network of the office. This approach takes seriously the very concept of advocacy, for which the office is, not coincidentally, named, and aims to spread it throughout the community in a way that would strengthen democracy.

One of the questions that Norman fielded – who might his opponents be? – only underscored the refreshing uniqueness of his approach. There are a number of elected officials eyeing their term limits and jockeying for position for upcoming elections. "I don't even know where I'm going to be tomorrow," Norman laughed, reiterating that he isn't after a career in politics, only an opportunity to prove the vast potential of the Public Advocate to thoroughly change the way government works in New York City. Just as lawyers could help him do the vigorous work of advocacy, they can also help him get elected.

Having run for the office before, Norman has realized the need for fundraising to reach voters in the final grueling days of the election. With the help of a Lawyers For Norman Siegel Committee, we will be in great position to more widely disperse Norman's vision for the office. If you are interested in joining the committee or have any questions, please call the office at 212-448-6271 or contact us through http://www.normansiegel.com.