Featured Articles & Columns by NCBA President James P. Joseph
Meet New President James P. Joseph: Nassau Lawyer – June 2025
In announcing his presidency, James is introduced as a leader with over thirty years of exceptional service to the legal community. The profile highlights his rise from a Hofstra Law graduate to Managing Partner of a premier matrimonial and family law practice, his extensive committee work, his leadership on nonprofit boards, and his vision for strengthening the Bar’s membership, engagement, and long-term success.
“James brings more than three decades of dedicated service to the legal profession and the NCBA… His leadership, integrity, and commitment to the legal community have shaped both his firm and the Bar as a whole.” Read More
From the President
James opens his first presidential column by sharing the perspective that has shaped his entire career. He reflects on the lessons learned during his cancer journey and how they inform his leadership philosophy: trust others, build strong systems, prioritize well-being, and always keep the profession grounded in purpose and integrity.
“These lessons carried over into my professional life… To ensure our clients receive the best possible representation while also allowing our team to lead fulfilled lives. I bring those lessons with me into this presidency.”
From the President – July/August 2025
In this issue, James addresses the importance of lawyer well-being, urging members to embrace rest, connection, and balance. He spotlights NCBA initiatives, including the LAP Walkathon, new courthouse developments, expanded Academy of Law programming, and efforts to strengthen the leadership pipeline.
“If you believe that the best lawyers are too busy or too important to take time off, look to the research… Our ability to perform at our peak is tied to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.” Read More
From the President – September 2025
James reflects on the meaning of community, unity, and service as the legal profession returns to its busy fall season. Writing on September 11 from Nassau Supreme Court, he draws connections between national events, collective memory, and the Bar’s responsibility to preserve civility and compassion in the practice of law.
“Our Bar Association embodies the spirit that we are stronger when we come together… offering countless opportunities for connection, education, and service.” Read More
From the President – October 2025
James' October column focuses on the Bar's role as a professional anchor during uncertain times. He reflects on how the daily demands of legal practice can isolate attorneys and emphasizes the importance of purposeful connections—something the NCBA provides through its committees, educational programs, and service opportunities.
He highlights the vital role of court officers and promotes upcoming Association events, such as the Pro Bono Open House and Judiciary Night, urging members to participate and strengthen the connections that define the Bar.
“Communities like ours remind us of our shared humanity and the responsibility we carry as lawyers to lead with compassion, purpose, and respect.” Read More
From the President – November 2025
James writes about gratitude, both personally and professionally. He highlights NCBA initiatives such as the Pro Bono Open House, WE CARE’s Thanksgiving Basket project, the Academy of Law’s timely educational programs, and the vibrancy of the Bar’s many committees and sections. He also reflects on the importance of service, justice, and the privilege of practicing law.
“Gratitude and service are deeply intertwined… Our strength lies not in any one of us, but in all of us—together.” Read More
From the President – December 2025
In his December column, James looks to the close of the year as a time to recognize how the Bar shows up for its members and for the broader community. He reflects on a fall marked by sustained engagement: strong CLE attendance, active committees, and a level of participation that speaks to the Association's health and momentum.
He gives particular attention to WE CARE’s work during the holiday season, including the delivery of Thanksgiving meals to families and seniors at Domus and the continued financial support of small Long Island charities whose impact far exceeds their size. James also acknowledged the NCBA staff, whose behind-the-scenes efforts make the Association’s work possible.
“In a profession that can often be isolating, the relationships we form here matter. They sustain us.” Read More
From the President – January 2026
In his January column, James reflects on leadership through the lens of intentional planning and legacy. He draws on a long-standing goal-setting exercise that he uses both personally and professionally. James encourages members to step back from the daily demands of their practice and consider a deeper question: How do we want to be remembered, and are our current choices aligned with that vision?
At the midpoint of his presidency, James highlights the Bar’s progress by celebrating its leadership, membership, and the meaningful impact of initiatives such as WE CARE. He also urges members to view their membership as a form of stewardship, emphasizing that a thriving Bar relies on active participation, personal outreach, and making others feel that they truly belong.
“Belonging does not happen by accident. It is built intentionally—one invitation at a time.” Read More
From the President – February 2026
In this column, James reflects on recent moments that define the relationship between the judiciary and the Bar in Nassau County, including judicial portrait dedications, induction ceremonies, and long-standing traditions that mark transitions on the bench. He explains these practices matter not as formalities, but as reminders of the continuity, responsibility, and trust placed in those who administer justice.
He then widens the lens to consider the role lawyers play when constitutional norms are tested. Referencing discussions from the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, James addresses the profession’s obligation to speak with clarity and restraint when core legal principles are implicated. Rather than framing this responsibility in political terms, he anchors it in the oath lawyers take and the expectation that the rule of law must be defended thoughtfully, consistently, and without intimidation.
“The rule of law is not self-executing. It endures only because lawyers and judges choose, again and again, to uphold it.” Read More
