Lisa Noroian, Immediate Past President, served the New York State Unified Court System for more than 20 years. She was the Principal Court Attorney to the Honorable Carol S. Klein, J.F.C., A.J.S.C., in Orange County for 15 years. She also worked for the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Second Department, for several years, including as Principal Attorney of the Orange County Office. Currently, Ms. Noroian works as an Attorney for the Child with the Children’s Rights Society, Inc.
Ms. Noroian graduated from the Florida State University College of Law and began her legal career in civil legal services programs in Florida, where she managed a multi-county caseload and coordinated pro bono initiatives. Upon returning to New York, she continued her public service work with a legal services program in Manhattan. Over the course of her career, Ms. Noroian has practiced in a wide range of areas, including family and matrimonial law, Article 81 guardianships and related matters, mental health law, and Social Security disability law. She has represented clients before state and federal courts, as well as administrative tribunals, and has handled guardianship cases throughout New York’s Ninth Judicial District.
Ms. Noroian has long valued the opportunity to contribute to WBASNY through leadership, service and engaging with members across the state. In addition to serving as President this year, she previously held the roles of Vice President and President-Elect. Her longstanding commitment includes serving as Wellness Committee Co-Chair (2019–2023), Newsletter Chair (2022–2023), and CLE Committee Co-Chair for fifteen years. She also served on the Permanent Convention Committee and as Co-Chair of Convention 2010.
During her presidency, Ms. Noroian launched the Leadership Committee to foster professional growth and leadership development. Its inaugural program—a panel of judges and attorneys held at Albany Law School—was presented in partnership with the school’s Women’s Leadership Initiative. She also established the Legacy Project, which, in collaboration with WBASNY’s History Committee, recorded interviews and oral histories to preserve the organization’s early and inspiring history. A comprehensive, multi-faceted organizational Long-Range Plan was developed during her tenure and the Technology Committee was reestablished. Under her leadership, WBASNY expanded its connections with other bar associations, including collaborations with the New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association and the Armenian Bar Association.
Ms. Noroian’s presidency was marked by strong legislative advocacy. WBASNY advanced five expanded legislative priorities, increased visibility in support of a statewide visitation program, and advocated for civil legal services funding. Several pieces of legislation supported by WBASNY were enacted into law during her tenure, including the Medical Aid in Dying Act, and legislation prohibiting certain restricted and toxic substances in menstrual products.
A proud member of WBASNY’s Orange-Sullivan Chapter since 2002, Ms. Noroian served the chapter in numerous leadership roles over the years, including as President from 2008 to 2009. She was honored with the Chapter’s Distinguished Attorney Award in 2016, and also served as Treasurer of the Women’s Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties Foundation.