In 2003, the Fund for Modern Courts inaugurated the Cyrus R. Vance Tribute to honor Cyrus Vance’s vision, accomplishment, and integrity in government. The Vance Tribute recognizes a notable public figure who exemplifies Vance’s legacy, and who has made the New York State Court system more efficient, fair and accessible to all.
Cyrus R. Vance set an exemplary standard for public service throughout his career. He served as United States Secretary of State, Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, President of the City Bar Association, and was a Partner at Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett, LLP. Mr. Vance was also a leader of the Fund for Modern Courts, and served as the organization’s Chair from 1986 to 1990. In addition to his notable career on the national and international stages, Cyrus Vance was tireless in his efforts to reform the New York State Court system. Among his successes was promoting the implementation of merit selection for New York State’s highest court, producing the nationally renowned Court of Appeals we enjoy today.
Honorees
2024
- Hon. Rowan D. Wilson
Chief Judge, State of New York
2023
- Hon. Rolando T. Acosta
Former Presiding Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department
2022
- Cyrus R. Vance Jr.
District Attorney, Manhattan
2019
- Hon. Lawrence K. Marks
Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York
2017
- Hon. Janet Difiore
Chief Judge, State of New York
2016
- Steven Banks
Commissioner, New York City Human Resources Administration
2015
2013
2012
- Hon. Barry Kamins
Administrative Judge for Criminal Matters
2011
- Hon. Eric Schneiderman
Attorney General State of New York
2010
- Hon. Fern A. Fisher
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts
Director of the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program
2009
- Hon. Michael A. Cardozo
Corporation Counsel of the City of New York
2008
- Hon. Charles J. Hynes
District Attorney, Kings County
2007
- Hon. Robert M. Morgenthau
District Attorney, New York County
2006
- Hon. Jonathan Lippman
Chief Administrative Judge of the State of New York
2005
- Hon. Judith S. Kaye
Chief Judge of the State of New York
2004
- Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor of the City of New York
2003
- Hon. Eliot Spitzer
New York State Attorney General