Event Overview

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

8:50 AM – 4:30 PM —CLE Program

Hot Topics in Municipal and Government Law

We will explore hot topics in municipal law, including implications of recent SCOTUS opinions on municipal and governmental practice, the use of AI in government, a cannabis update (including the experiences of communities that have opted in), battery storage siting and regulation, and a labor update, among other interesting topics.

Key Highlights and Objectives

  • Join us for cutting edge topics like AI, battery storage and cannabis, and stay for the important bread and butter topics of constitutional and labor law

General Registration Fee

Required for in-person attendees.

NYSBA Members$220
Non-members$305

+plus…

$160 Program Registration Fee

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

6.5 MCLE Credits

 This program is transitional and is suitable for all attorneys
including those newly admitted.

8:50 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.

Welcome and Introduction
Speaker

Lisa M. Cobb, Esq. | Section Chair Wallace & Wallace, LLP Poughkeepsie, NY

Anna Vikse, Esq. | Village Attorney Village of Westbury Westbury, NY

9:05 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Supreme Court Update

a. Students for Fair Admission – Affirmative Action
b. Groff - Civil Rights Act and Religious Freedom
c. Sackett – Contracting Wetlands Jurisdiction
d. Tyler – In Rem Proceedings and the Takings Clause

Speaker

Gregory P. Feit. Esq. | Senior Associate Reavis Page Jump LLP New York, NY

Drew Gamils, Esq. | Riverkeeper, Inc. Tarrytown, NY

Martha Krisel, Esq. | Municipal Consultant New York, NY

Amy Lavine, Esq. | Associate J & G Law, LLP Walden, NY

1.5 MCLE Credits

10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Cannabis Update

Legal Developments and Municipal Experience with Operating Cannabis Retailer(s)

Speaker

Matthew T. McDonough, Esq. | Special Counsel, Town of Babylon Partner McDonough PLLC Babylon, NY

Jacob H. Zoghlin, Esq | Partner The Zoghlin Group, PLLC Rochester, NY

1.0 MCLE Credit

11:20 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Labor

This presentation will provide an overview of public sector employee discipline for all NYS Civil Service Employees from investigation through disciplinary charges and hearings – with case updates. This presentation will also provide information concerning sexual harassment and workplace violence prevention policies and investigations, including the 2024 policy requirements.

Speaker

Lance H. Klein, Esq. | Member Keane & Beane PC White Plains, NY

1.0 MCLE Credit

12:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch on Attendees’ Own

1:40 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Regulation and Explanation of Battery Storage

The session will explore the essential role Energy Storage plays in achieving New York’s climate goals, and the safety and siting issues raised by these facilities.

Speaker

Daniel A. Spitzer, Esq. | Partner Hodgson Russ LLP Buffalo, NY

1.0 MCLE Credit

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.

Regulation of Short-Term Rentals

The presentation will address both the basics of and developments in the regulation of short-term rentals. It will feature discussion of drafting such regulations to maximize the chances of surviving judicial scrutiny in the context of both statutory and constitutional limitations. Among other things, the topic raises issues as to how the restrictions should be codified, the requirements that can be imposed for registration, permitting and inspection of such housing, enforcement considerations and the permissibility of distinctions in applicable restrictions based on the residency of the property owner and/or a mandate for owner-occupancy. Also of clear importance to the discussion is the specter of environmental impacts that should be considered, including the potential effects of the use and regulation thereof on community character and affordability of housing.

Speaker

Joseph Greco Trapp, Esq. | Associate Greco Trapp, PLLC Buffalo, NY

1.0 MCLE Credit

3:35 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.

Ethics

Regulation of Lobbying

Speaker

Steven Leventhal, Esq. | Partner Leventhal, Mullaney & Blinkoff, LLP Roslyn, NY

1.0 MCLE Credit in Ethics & Professionalism

4:25 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks
Bronze Sponsors