Practice Area: Litigation & Trials

New York State Bar Association President Calls Removal of Notary Requirement in Civil Cases a Big Step Forward for Access to Justice

A new law allowing litigants in a civil case to file affidavits and other sworn documents without getting them notarized will eliminate unnecessary delays and needless costs in civil lawsuits. “This law is a big step forward for access to justice,” said Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The notarization requirement … Continued

Social Media Can Change Outcomes in the Courtroom

Social media affects the public’s perception and results of jury trials – and legal experts are examining the true impact. Brian Donnelly and Gary Muhlstock, partners at Cullen and Dykman, discussed how social media has already affected court cases in a New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education course. The Effect on Jurors “Does … Continued

Rochester Attorney Honored by the New York State Bar Association for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

The New York State Bar Association honored David M. Tang, an attorney committed to diversity in the legal profession, with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award in a virtual celebration on Oct. 3. Tang, a partner at Underberg & Kessler in Rochester, represents and advises clients in business, health care, restructuring and commercial litigation matters. … Continued

Arbitration and Equal Justice Under the Law: A Double Victory

While Coinbase Inc. v. Bielski has been hailed as a victory for arbitration, it should also be celebrated as no less a victory for equal justice under the law. This article will examine both victories, as well as suggest a way to ensure a uniform rule of law in the future. The Arbitration Victory Under … Continued

Ten Deposition Lessons You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way

Planning, preparation and mastering your presence during a deposition are key to a successful experience. Scott Occhiogrosso, partner at Block, O’Toole and Murphy, hosted a CLE called “Ten Deposition Lessons You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way.” Occhiogrosso specializes in catastrophic construction accidents and serious personal injury cases in New York City. His background … Continued

NYSBA Pledges To Continue Its Fight for Equal Rights in Wake of U.S. Supreme Court Decision in LGBTQ+ Public Accommodations Case

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, No. 21-476, 599 U.S.__ (2023): “The New York State Bar Association vows to continue its fight for equal rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative LLC … Continued

President of New York State Bar Association Calls Judge Rowan Wilson’s Historic Confirmation a Significant Milestone

Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the state Senate’s confirmation of Judge Rowan D. Wilson as chief judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York: “The historic appointment and confirmation of Judge Rowan D. Wilson as New York’s first African-American chief … Continued