Practice Area: Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights

Are Santa Clauses in Estate Planning Documents Always a Welcome Gift?

It’s not the holiday season, but New York practitioners often have “Santa clauses” on their minds. These clauses, which are included in some New York estate planning documents, were introduced by practitioners several years ago to account for the New York “estate tax cliff” regime. Specifically, New York law provides a credit against estate tax … Continued

Decisions About Diversity Programs Carry Consequences

With the Trump administration questioning the legality of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, employers must figure out what to do going forward. Companies face risk when they decide to continue their diversity programs but abandoning them has downsides too. It depends on how much risk an organization is willing to take on. A recent Continuing … Continued

Transgender Rights Are Being Attacked on Multiple Fronts

Last June – during Pride Month – Nassau County banned sports leagues that allow transgender women and girls from using county facilities, effectively banning transgender people from local parks and recreational areas. Across the United States, there are an increasing number of challenges to transgender people participating in public life, including in schools, on sports … Continued

International Human Rights Experts To Discuss Justice for Sexual Violence Victims at the 2025 Presidential Summit

Wartime sexual violence and human trafficking bring tremendous anguish to victims, but laws are rarely enforced, and perpetrators are rarely punished. The New York State Bar Association will amplify efforts to support survivors and pursue justice for victims in its upcoming Presidential Summit. “Human traffickers often take their victims across borders, making it difficult to … Continued

New York State Bar Association Honors Westchester Attorney for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

Jacqueline Hattar was presented with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 9. Hattar, a partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, advises individuals, small businesses, and property owners on tort liability, wrongful death, construction accidents and labor law matters. She has spearheaded diversity efforts at her firm including … Continued