The National Consortium on Racial & Ethnic Fairness in the Courts (NCREFC) will hold its annual conference June 10-13, 2015, in Buffalo, New York. This year, SJI Board member and Chief Judge of the State of New York, Jonathan Lippman, will receive one of their highest honors. Recognized for his long career and a lasting commitment to leading efforts that work to identify and eliminate racial and ethnic bias in the courts of New York, Chief Judge Lippman will accept the award for his ongoing work with the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission. The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission was established in June 1991 to educate and advise decision makers in the New York Court System on issues impacting both litigants and employees of color; and to implement recommendations developed to address these issues. Presentation of the award will take place Friday, June 12th, by retired Associate Judge Samuel Green, of the New York Appellate Division, Fourth Department. Throughout their time on the bench and before, both became well-acquainted with each other and share a mutual respect. Also honored at the event will be Gail Prudenti, Chief Administrative Judge of the State of New York. The NCREFC is committed to encouraging examination, sharing the collective knowledge, and providing technical assistance to the courts, to ensure racial and ethnic fairness.