JACK LESTER LAW - Key Persons

Mr. Lester began his career in the public sector in 1978 by performing public service. He created a full time pre-paid legal service program for students at the State University of New York at Albany. In that capacity, as the first full time lawyer on the Albany Campus, he won a landmark case that gave students the right to vote in their college communities. This Court decision, Auerbach v. Kinley, has had a direct impact upon increasing the college student vote in local, legislative and congressional races throughout New York State. Jack Lester initiated legal service programs modeled on the Albany program across New York concentrating on the State University and City University of New York. Campuses that benefited included SUNY Purchase, SUNY New Paltz. In the City University System, the Campuses that benefited were Hunter College, Medger Evers College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City College of the City of New York, Baruch College and LaGuardia Community College. From 1986-1989, Mr. Lester worked as a prosecutor in the Office of the Queens County District Attorney. He prosecuted drug crimes and helped form the anti-bias unit in the City of New York. The unit prosecuted violent crimes that were motivated by racial, religious, gender or sexual orientation bias. This unit was formed in the aftermath of the infamous Howard Beach racial attack. Mr. Lester began his own law practice in 1990 and also served as Counsel in the New York State Senate.