[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO ELIZABETH J. COLEMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL 
        COUNSEL OF THE NEW YORK STATE TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2005

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth J. Coleman, 
who has dedicated her life to the fight for civil rights, and has 
broken down numerous barriers along the way. Ms. Coleman's legal career 
has focused on ensuring access for all Americans to a fair and unbiased 
justice system, one through which they can realize the entirety of 
their constitutional rights. This principle has guided her throughout 
her years of service, from work on behalf of indigent consumers in 
Georgia to her national work for the Anti-Defamation League, and most 
recently during her stint at the New York State Trial Lawyers 
Association (NYSTLA), where she was an outstanding Executive Director 
and General Counsel.
  Ms. Coleman has also held many additional posts and has been involved 
in many endeavors over the years. She was elected Chair of the Board of 
the National Women's Law Center in 1996 and served in that capacity 
until 2003. President Clinton appointed Ms. Coleman Vice-Chair of the 
President's Export Council in 1994 and a United States Delegate to the 
United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 
1995. More recently, the National Organization for Women's New York 
City chapter honored her in 2003 as a Woman of Power and Courage. Last 
year she was honored by New York Women's Agenda as a STAR, an honor 
bestowed upon women who represent the spirit of New York, provide 
leadership in business and in the community, and are role models for 
other women. I can think of no more worthy recipient of such 
recognition than Ms. Coleman.
  As Elizabeth Coleman leaves NYSTLA, she embarks on a new mission, but 
one with the same goals in mind. She will continue her advocacy for 
civil and social justice through foundation work and community 
organizing. As she begins the next chapter of her life, I thank her 
wholeheartedly for her tireless work, and I wish her the very best in 
the years to come.

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