Leadership is built through service, relationships and a willingness to step forward—and few careers illustrate that more clearly than Taa Grays.

From beginning her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx to building more than two decades of experience in corporate law at MetLife, Grays has consistently paired her professional career with a commitment to service and leadership within the legal community.

Today, she serves as President of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), becoming the first woman of color to hold the position. Throughout her career, she has also invested deeply in bar association leadership, including involvement with the National Bar Association.

For NBA Commercial Law Section’s Excellence in Action series, we spoke with Grays about her journey from the courtroom to corporate law and bar leadership, the priorities shaping her NYSBA presidency, the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession, and why the next generation of attorneys should never wait for permission to lead.

The Conversation

Your legal career has taken you from prosecutor to corporate attorney to President of the New York State Bar Association. What has that journey looked like?

I began my legal career in 1997 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx, where I developed a passion for advocacy and public service. After several years in the courtroom, I transitioned to in-house practice at MetLife, where I've spent more than two decades building a career in corporate law.

At the same time, I intentionally invested in bar association leadership through organizations like the National Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. Those experiences allowed me to grow as a leader while expanding my network and giving back to the profession.

As President of the New York State Bar Association, what are your primary priorities?

The New York State Bar Association serves more than 50,000 members across more than 100 countries, and our work is centered around three core pillars: helping our members succeed professionally, expanding access to justice, and protecting the rule of law.

This year, we've placed particular emphasis on strengthening membership, supporting young and in-house attorneys, improving access to legal services for underserved communities, and ensuring consumers have clearer, more understandable legal disclosures.

What issue do you hope will define your presidency?

Without question, it's artificial intelligence.

AI is changing the legal profession faster than almost any technological advancement we've experienced. Unlike previous innovations, AI has the ability to reason, communicate, and generate work product in ways that feel remarkably human.

Our responsibility is to help attorneys understand how to use these tools ethically, responsibly, and effectively while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. That's why AI education has become one of my signature initiatives.

Attorney well-being has become an increasingly important conversation. Why does it matter?

Lawyers spend their careers helping others, but too often neglect their own well-being.

The New York State Bar Association has made attorney wellness a priority through continued education, resources, and our upcoming Wellness & Self-Care Expo, which will provide practical strategies to address burnout, stress, and mental health.

Healthy lawyers ultimately provide better service to their clients and communities.

What does Black excellence mean to you?

Black excellence is about resilience, representation, and rewriting narratives.

For generations, stereotypes attempted to define what Black professionals could achieve. Excellence means refusing to accept those limitations while creating opportunities for those who come behind us.

Every leadership role we step into expands what's possible for the next generation.

You are the first woman of color to serve as President of the New York State Bar Association. What does that milestone mean to you?

It is both an honor and a responsibility.

I recognize the significance of being the first woman of color to hold this office, but I'm equally excited that progress continues. My successor will become the first Asian American woman to lead the Association, demonstrating that leadership continues to become more reflective of our profession and our communities.

Who has influenced your leadership journey the most?

My parents, who were both educators, instilled the value of lifelong learning and service.

Professionally, my aunt, who was also an attorney, introduced me to bar association leadership and encouraged me to become actively involved. Throughout my career, several women who previously served as NYSBA President also challenged me to pursue leadership opportunities I might not have considered for myself.

You often encourage attorneys to become involved in bar associations. Why is that so important?

Your professional network shouldn't begin and end with your employer.

I've seen talented attorneys spend decades at one company only to find themselves unexpectedly navigating a career transition without a strong external network.

Bar associations provide education, mentorship, leadership opportunities, friendships, and professional relationships that support you throughout every stage of your career.

How do you balance such a demanding leadership role?

Balance requires intentionality.

I prioritize spending time with my family, practicing yoga, working with my personal trainer, and finding opportunities to simply have fun—including karaoke. Those moments allow me to recharge so I can lead effectively.

What advice would you give to the next generation of legal leaders?

Don't wait until someone gives you permission to lead.

Volunteer. Join bar associations. Seek mentors. Continue learning. Raise your hand for opportunities that stretch you.

Leadership isn't something that happens overnight—it's built through consistent service, relationships, and a willingness to show up.

EXCELLENCE through service

Grays’ journey is a reminder that leadership is not defined solely by a title. It is shaped over time by service, intentional relationships, continued learning and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.

As she puts it:

“Leadership is about service. When we invest in our profession, support one another, and create opportunities for those who follow us, we strengthen the entire legal community.”

— Taa Grays

EXCELLENCE IN ACTION

Leadership. Perspective. Service.

Excellence in Action is an ongoing NBA-CLS feature series highlighting leaders across the legal profession through conversations about their career journeys, leadership, perspectives on the profession, and advice for the broader legal community.