New York, NY, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) condemns the tragic killing of Robert L. Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, New York. Mr. Brooks died of neck injuries and blunt trauma injuries to his body after having served half of his 12-year sentence for felony assault. Reports indicate that, while he was handcuffed, New York corrections officers assaulted him, which resulted in his death. The actions of those involved represent a grave violation of the trust placed in them. Those involved in his death must be held accountable for their repugnant actions. WBASNY calls upon our elected officials and the courts to ensure justice is pursued for Mr. Brooks and extends its condolences to his family.

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The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) is the professional membership organization of choice for nearly 4,000 attorneys throughout New York State and the largest statewide women’s bar association in the country. For more than four decades, WBASNY has been a singularly important resource for women lawyers, providing professional networking, continuing legal education programming, leadership training, and advocacy for the rights of women, children, and families. Through involvement with WBASNY’s 20 regional chapters and its 40-plus substantive law committees, WBASNY’s members collaborate with one another on a variety of issues and perform public and community service, in furtherance of its mission to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and women in the legal profession; to promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and to act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status with the U.N.’s Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). WBASNY is also a founding member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.