NYSTLA President Andrew Finkelstein Served as Captain of Hudson Valley Trial Lawyers Care
September 9, 2025 (NEW YORK, NY) – Twenty-four years after the September 11 terror attacks, trial lawyers remain steadfast in their fight for justice for the first responders and families forever impacted by that day.
In the wake of the attacks, New York trial lawyers led the largest pro bono effort in the history of American law. Attorneys from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia came together to form Trial Lawyers Care, a program that provided free legal services to survivors and the families of victims.
Since then, attorneys have donated an estimated 800,000 hours of free legal work—equivalent to more than 100 years’ worth of service—helping victims and families access justice and critical support.
“Our city and nation came together on 9/11. As part of our commitment to never forget, we must continue to honor the fallen by ensuring they have the support of the Zadroga Fund,” said NYSTLA President Andrew Finkelstein, who served as captain of the Hudson Valley Trial Lawyers Care program. “Six of my clients were fallen firefighters who gave their lives to save others. It was an honor to fight for their families. This program is a testament to the importance of civil justice—and to the enduring courage of those who became beacons of hope during an otherwise horrific time.”
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, 1,092 Trial Lawyers Care attorneys represented 1,745 claimants free of charge, marking the largest coordinated pro bono undertaking ever mounted by the legal community.
“For many of us, our offices and families were downtown. It is a day none of us will ever forget,” added Finkelstein, whose office was two blocks from the World Trade Center.
Today, the toll of 9/11 continues. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11, 2001—but in the years since, more firefighters and first responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses than on the day of the attacks.
“The American Association for Justice came together in 2001 to support first responders and families—and we continue that work every day,” said AAJ President Linda Lipsen. “Twenty-four years later, our commitment to justice for victims of wrongdoing remains as strong as ever.”
Sabrina Rezzy
Communications Director
New York State Trial Lawyers Association