Renee Hill highlights Bronx County Bar Association’s outreach, training and courthouse services

Renee Hill, a criminal defense attorney and the current president of the Bronx County Bar Association, told Bronxnet’s Today’s Verdict that the association combines professional support for lawyers with direct services for Bronx residents.

Hill said the Bar Association provides continuing legal education, runs a referral service for people seeking attorneys, distributes scholarships to high school students and organizes community relief efforts following emergencies. “We provide assistance to individuals who walk in,” Hill said, describing a nominal-fee referral model and in-person help. She identified the Bar’s office as being at 851 Grand Concourse inside the Supreme Court building (first floor, room 124) and said the association operates within the law library there.

The association also runs recurring community programs. Hill described an annual Toys for Tots drive that requires an unwrapped toy or book as admission and a May 28 pop-up program to provide legal clothing to law students. She said the organization’s May 14 annual dinner — which she described as her farewell dinner as president — raises scholarships and recognizes lawyers and judges.

Hill said serving as president has required balancing advocacy and her private practice. She pointed to specific governance and practice concerns she addressed during her term, including matters involving the 18B panel that assigns counsel to indigent defendants. “There are things that I had to address that of course took me away from my private practice a little bit to deal with,” Hill said.

Hill said the Bronx County Bar Association also hosted the New York State Court of Appeals for a week in March, allowing the community to attend oral arguments. She called the visit a highlight of her term and described interactions with the court as professionally important.

Hill encouraged lawyers who want leadership roles to join and be active: candidates must be paid members for three years and should network so colleagues know them before running for an elected position. She said she will remain engaged with the association after her presidency, including serving as chair of the board.

The interview closed with Hill noting she will continue her private criminal-defense practice with her business partner and remain involved in bar activities.

Next steps: Hill said the Bar will continue its events, scholarship programs and community services under new leadership and encouraged residents who need legal help to use the Bar’s referral service.