Senate Resolution No. 541

BY: Senator BRESLIN

MOURNING the death of James E. Long, former
Commissioner of the New York State Legislative Bill
Drafting Commission, renowned attorney, and devoted
public servant

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; James E. Long was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of James E. Long, noting the
significance of the loss of a man whose altruistic spirit will be
greatly missed; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long of Albany, New York, died on Tuesday, March
7, 2023, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 15, 1951, James Edward Long was the son of
the late Edward J. Long and Antonia Bruno Long; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long received his Bachelor's degree from the State
University of New York at Albany in 1974; he went on to earn his law
degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of
Law in 1978, and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979; and

WHEREAS, James "Jim" Long began his illustrious career with the New
York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission after his appointment by
the leader of the Senate as a Commissioner on January 11, 2010, serving
until January 11, 2011; he was reappointed Commissioner of the
Legislative Bill Drafting Commission by Senate Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins, on January 2, 2019, where he remained until his
official retirement on January 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the New York State Legislative
Bill Drafting Commission, James E. Long served as the Albany County
Public Defender and as a former Special Counsel to the New York State
Senate Democratic Conference; he also served as Law Clerk for late New
York State Supreme Court Justices The Honorable Paul Cheeseman and The
Honorable Daniel Prior, as well as Albany County Surrogate Raymond
Marinelli; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, James E. Long served as an attorney in private
practice for more than 45 years, specializing in Criminal Defense,
Election Law, Labor Law, and Trial Practice and for many years he
represented the Construction and General Laborers Local 190 (LIUNA); and

WHEREAS, Having tried over 100 cases to verdict in state and federal
court, James E. Long developed an impeccable reputation for his balanced
temperament, noble dedication, and superior litigation skills; and

WHEREAS, Widely respected and greatly admired for his unremitting
commitment to the field of law, James E. Long was cited on a number of
occasions for his prolific contributions, including his selection to
Super Lawyers (2011 - 2013), a peer designation awarded only to a select
number of accomplished attorneys in each state; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long was a tireless advocate for those in recovery
for alcohol and substance use issues and he was especially passionate in
assisting those in the legal profession navigating sobriety while
balancing their careers; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long's spirit and zest for life was apparent by
his embrace of culture through worldly travels, time spent reading
historical novels, mentoring countless loved ones, and fueled by his
passion for convertibles; and

WHEREAS, Throughout James E. Long's many endeavors, his daughter
Darcy, son-in-law Mike, and granddaughter Madeline, consistently
remained the most fundamental, supportive, and cherished part of his
life; and

WHEREAS, James E. Long served the Legislative Bill Drafting
Commission and the New York State Senate with dependability, honor and
integrity earning him the respect and affection of his staff and peers,
while effectively fulfilling the duties of his position and contributing
significantly to the legislative process of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Every person in New York State has most certainly
benefited, in one way or another, from the deep dedication, intelligence
and commitment that James E. Long brought to his work as an attorney,
commissioner, and public servant; a loyal friend and trusted advisor who
had a profound effect on the many lives he touched, he will be deeply
missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, and imbued with a sense of
empathy, James E. Long's life was a portrait of service, a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an
amazing man; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of James E. Long, and express its deepest condolences to
his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James E. Long.