New York State Bar Association members now receive free access to Smokeball Bill, legal-specific software that simplifies trust accounting and billing! Unlock Your Free Access With built-in tools for three-way reconciliation, invoicing, and matter-based time tracking, it’s designed to help small law firms reduce manual tasks and save time. You don’t need to piece together … Continued
As we move further and further into the digital age, gone are the days when a fiduciary could merely collect the decedent’s mail to discover assets and claims, review the decedent’s address book to find potential heirs, and collect photographs to distribute to family members. Increasingly we as a society are relying on our often … Continued
Surrogate’s Court controversies create the perfect environment for grieving family members – whether bloodline, marital or chosen – to escalate any existing conflict and emotional strain between them. Surrogate’s Court proceedings routinely concern the probate of wills, administration of estates and complex trust proceedings. Given the inherent familial nature of the parties to these types … Continued
Dear Colleagues: Please allow me to report briefly on the Association’s recent activities. We are collaborating with several organizations around the country in support of the rule of law and advocating to preserve and enhance access to justice. One example of this vital work is our advocacy to save funding for the Legal Services Corporation. … Continued
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