Jim Dering began his term as the new chair of the Health Law Section on May 18 and said he plans to gather feedback from members as he starts in this role. Dering said his goal is “to work with the Health Law Section’s other officers and Executive Committee, as well as others, in continuing to advance the section’s efforts to best serve existing members and attract new ones.” He added, “Whether that’s through increasing the visibility of the Health Law Section, or providing additional CLEs or other services that are of assistance to members. The section has a strong history of finding ways to best serve its members through a process that isn’t driven by one person – it’s a group effort – which is a real strength of the section.”
Dering highlighted plans to use social media to showcase the different committees within the Health Law Section. He said these committees cover many topics and offer several ways for people to participate. “We would like both new and seasoned attorneys who are not currently involved with the section to be aware of what it has to offer and the professional camaraderie it provides. This includes the ability for attorneys of all experience levels to get involved not only to enjoy the benefits the section offers, but to share their talents with others,” Dering said.
He also discussed meeting with President-Elect Taa Grays about collaborating with other sections that have similar interests. “Those would be sections with interests in common with the Health Law Section to see how the sections can potentially collaborate by putting on joint programs or joining forces in other ways,” he said.
Dering is a partner and director at Garfunkel Wild working from Albany, where he represents various health care providers including hospitals, nursing homes, adult homes, assisted living residences, home care agencies, physician practices, individual physicians and other licensed individuals. His work includes representing clients before state agencies such as New York State Department of Health and advising on regulatory matters.
The New York State Bar Association fosters cultural and social well-being through initiatives that promote equal access to justice and public understanding of law; it advances professional success for its members while upholding justice according to its official website. The association extends services throughout New York State and internationally—with members across all U.S. states and over 100 countries—and uses its Bar Center in Albany for administrative operations.
