James Bessette Receives State Bar Association Professionalism Award

The New York State Bar Association Committee on Attorney Professionalism has announced that its winner of the 2011 award for Attorney Professionalism is James P. Bessette of the Malone law firm Fischer, Bessette, Muldowney & McArdle, LLP . The New York State Bar Association consists of over 75,000 attorneys throughout New York state and makes an annual award to an attorney who demonstrates professionalism through "dedication to service to clients and a commitment to promoting respect for the legal system in pursuit of justice and the public good, characterized by exemplary ethical conduct, confidence, good judgment, integrity and civility."

Mr. Bessette's selection is the first time this award has been made to an attorney north of Albany.

"The award caught me completely by surprise. I am profoundly honored and moved by the distinction bestowed upon me by my peers" said Mr. Bessette.

Mr. Bessette is a 1973 graduate of St. Lawrence University. He received his law degree from Albany Law School of Union University in 1976 and has practiced law with his present firm in Malone since that time. He also served as Franklin County District Attorney from 1984 to 1990.