A005481
December 10, 2001
Via Facsimile to: (301) 519-5956
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department Of Justice
Civil Division
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington,DC 20530
Re: Regulations Governing
The September 11 Victims Compensation Fund
Dear Mr. Zwick:
This relates to the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund (the "Fund") established
upon the enactment of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (Public Law
107-42), and the regulations to be promulgated to govern the administration of the Fund.
The New York State Bar Association considers it very important that the Department of
Justice obtain as much input as possible on the development of substantive and procedural rules
to govern the administration of the Fund. The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the
creation and administration of the Fund nevertheless do not lend themselves easily to
conventional comment letters. Therefore, I am writing to offer the assistance of The Association
and its members to work directly with the Department and the Special Master. It is the belief of
many of our members who have expertise in the areas of personal injury litigation and
compensation programs that the best way for us to assist the Department in this enormous task is to provide people with a wide range of relevant experience in order to help resolve issues and problems.
In addition to the fact that the terrorist acts of September 11 have had a direct impact on the New York State Bar Association, it is important for me to point out that the Association is the larest voluntary state bar association in the country, with nearly 70,000 members engaged in every substantive and procedural area of law. Their expertise providers a formidable source of knowledge and information. I hope that there is an appropriate mechanism, such as paticipation in a working group, for us to assist in the development and operation of the Fund.
Very truly yours,
Comment by:
New York State Bar Association
Albany, NY