Month: June 2020

Smile! You Are Being Recorded

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As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way lawyers practice law, so too has videoconferencing. Virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, Webex and Skype  have become essential to the practice of law, for everything from meeting with clients, negotiating with opposing counsel and arguing motions. These platforms enable meetings, which depending on the circumstances, may be … Continued

Daily Coronavirus Update: Court System Begins Summoning Grand Jurors

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Good afternoon Members, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced during her weekly update today that in areas outside of New York City, the court system has begun summoning grand jurors to report for service on July 13. “This milestone development follows several weeks of careful planning and coordination with our justice partners, during which we have … Continued

Earning Client Trust Through Communications

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Clients are not stupid. They might be misinformed, but they should be respected for what they know about what they do and what they have done. Keeping this in mind helps lawyers communicate effectively with their clients while also adhering to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Mark Berman of New York (Ganfer Shore Leeds & Zauderer) … Continued

House Passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

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The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, a broad reform measure addressing use of force, racial and religious bias and national police standards. The legislation passed the House 236–181. The measure: Bans chokeholds and no-knock warrants Creates a national registry of police misconduct by all federal, state and local law … Continued

President-Elect T. Andrew Brown: ‘Silence Is Not an Option’

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NYSBA President-Elect T. Andrew Brown says changing laws is not enough to eradicate centuries-long racial injustice in America, instead we need to change the way people think. “Elimination of bias and inequities really starts when people are young,” said Brown, who thinks black history should be taught in schools. “You have to teach racial tolerance … Continued