Honoring a Transformative Legacy

Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke Dispute Resolution Legacy Fund


Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke believed that access to justice extends beyond the courtroom - that New Yorkers deserved the chance to resolve conflict in their own communities. Through his leadership, New York created one of the nation's first statewide networks of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs). For nearly 50 years, CDRCs have helped families, neighbors, schools, businesses, and communities resolve conflict through mediation and dialogue across all of New York's 62 counties.


Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke

1914 - 2000

To preserve and strengthen Chief Judge Cooke's legacy, the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) has established the Lawrence H. Cooke Dispute Resolution Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund, managed by Merrill Lynch, is a $1.5 million permanent endowment that will provide long-term support for community dispute resolution throughout New York State. By creating a stable source of funding for CDRCs beyond annual appropriations, the endowment will help ensure that Judge Cooke's vision continues to serve future generations.

Our 3-Year Goal


$1.5 Million to Carry the Network Forward

$1.5 M

Campaign Goal

3 Years

to Reach Our Goal

62

Counties Served

18

CDRCs

This ambitious but achievable goal will help CDRCs maintain, expand, and create programs that strengthen the communities of New York State.


Become a Founding Sponsor

Every gift at every level, becomes part of a living tribute - a lasting record of the individuals, organizations, and community leaders helping to ensure that future generations of New Yorkers have access to mediation, dialogue, and community-based conflict resolutions.

Founding Friend

($1,000 - $4,999)

Community Partner

($5,000 - $9,999)

Network Sustainer

($5,000 - $9,999)

Legacy Champion

($25,000 - $49,999)

Cooke Circle

($50,000+)

  • Other Ways to Give

    • Donor Advised Fund
    • Stocks/Securities Donation
    • IRA/401k Distribution
    • Estate Planning/Bequest
    • Corporate/Business Giving

Making a Difference

Your contribution to the Lawrence H. Cooke Dispute Resolution Legacy Fund directly supports Community Dispute Resolution Centers across all 62 counties in New York State. These centers provide essential services including mediation, conflict resolution and restorative justice programs that help individuals, families, and communities resolve disputes peacefully and effectively.