Pine Plains resident Steven Patterson, a longtime criminal defense attorney who serves on the town’s Planning Board, has received one of the New York State Bar Association’s top honors.
Patterson was the 2026 recipient of the association’s Award for Attorney Professionalism, a prestigious statewide honor typically given to one attorney annually. The award recognizes attorneys for outstanding professionalism, including ethical conduct, integrity, civility, sound judgment, and service to the legal profession.
The award was presented May 1 at the Bar Center in Albany as part of the association’s 35th Annual President’s Pro Bono Service Awards on Law Day. This year’s Law Day theme was “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
Patterson has practiced criminal defense law for 30 years, representing thousands of defendants through his work at the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office and the Putnam County Legal Aid Society. He now continues that work in private practice at McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa and Patterson.
“Steve Patterson has expertly handled some of the Mid-Hudson Valley’s most serious criminal cases,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “He is recognized in his community for the highest professional standards and unwavering integrity in serving his clients.”
Patterson said the award reflected both the constitutional importance of criminal defense and the influence of the attorneys who helped shape his career.
“It is a great honor to be presented this award. I have tried to practice law in a professional, respectful manner while still vigorously defending my clients,” Patterson said. “The Constitution requires that everyone be provided a defense.”
The ceremony, which featured a keynote address by Associate Judge Michael Garcia of the New York State Court of Appeals, also recognized attorneys from across New York for pro bono work assisting survivors of domestic violence, tenants fighting eviction, immigrants facing deportation, and others in need of legal support.
“I am so fortunate to have been mentored by many excellent attorneys as to the practice of law, including the technical aspects of the law. I think it is vitally important for attorneys, as professionals, to mentor and to impart their knowledge to younger attorneys in the community. I accept this award with great humility and gratitude.”