Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement today about the government shutdown: “Because of the continuing government shutdown, our federal courts cannot maintain full operations. While certain limited functions will still be performed — including those that protect human life and property — the inability of our courts … Continued
When an attorney becomes a judge, the New York State Bar Association officially considers them to be retired from the practice of law. The newly minted judge no longer has to earn 24 hours of continuing legal education credit every two years. Similarly, they no longer have to pay the bi-annual registration fee. In addition, … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is bringing together leaders from education, the law, the judiciary, politics, and the media to explore the critical role of media literacy in protecting democratic values. “Misinformation and digital manipulation can shape public opinion,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The convocation will highlight … Continued
Local governments are increasingly finding themselves at the center of First Amendment controversies. Whether it is a public comment period that goes awry, a social media post that blurs the line between governmental and personal speech, or a resident recording at the clerk’s office, municipalities are encountering First Amendment issues every day. These developments highlight … Continued
Artificial intelligence is driving a new conversation about its impact on the workforce, specifically its potential to automate tasks and replace humans across many professions. This ongoing discussion, fueled by both excitement over technological advancements and anxiety about job displacement, has prompted critical debates and examinations of how AI will integrate into and transform various … Continued
Dear Colleagues: On behalf of the New York State Bar Association, I am proud and honored to commemorate our 150th anniversary. It was in 1876 that a determined group of lawyers came together with a clear vision: “to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate … Continued
I know that trust accounting and IOLA compliance are not the glamorous tasks we envisioned for our future selves during our law school tenure – I expected to be in a courtroom; I expected to be researching caselaw and consuming too much coffee; I did not expect that I would be getting anxiety attacks when … Continued
When you went to law school, branding was probably not part of the conversation. The focus was on learning the law, developing the ability to think like a lawyer, and eventually building a book of business. Today, the way clients find and choose attorneys has changed. They search online before they call. They review LinkedIn … Continued
As with most planning techniques, the most effective ones begin with starting simple. Many have enjoyed the benefits of tax deferred retirement accounts, from the immediate tax deduction for contributions to the tax-deferred growth over perhaps many decades. At some point, distributions must begin so that the government can start collecting much-needed tax revenue from … Continued
Think public speaking is just for the courtroom? Not so. Litigators are not the only lawyers who must deliver effective presentations. The ability to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently can be a gamechanger for all aspects of the legal profession. Many attorneys believe public speaking is only helpful for courtroom performance. But outside the courtroom, … Continued