Good morning. Thank you, Chief Judge Wilson, for inviting me to speak today. I am honored to share Law Day with you, Judge Wilson, and all the distinguished guests gathered here today, including the judges of the Court of Appeals, Presiding Justices of the Appellate Division, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Attorney General Tish James, … Continued
In my time acting as outside general counsel to cooperative and condominium boards, I have become increasingly convinced that the job has been getting harder and harder. Admittedly, this feeling could be just a variation on the so-called Socratic paradox that the more I learn about the role, the more I realize what I do … Continued
As New York lawyers, there are few things that attract our attention more than big consequential legal issues, issues that need work and development for the benefit of our clients, our families and our society. Occasionally, such issues come along that have the potential to be transformative and urgently need attention. One such constellation of … Continued
Since the enactment of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, New York has prioritized – and made strides toward – developing the once-nascent renewable energy industry into the backbone of the state’s electric grid. One cornerstone of New York’s clean energy strategy is offshore wind development. The new act directs the state … Continued
With a new secretary of education and a new administration determined to cut federal spending, we are faced with the prospect of drastically reducing (or abolishing) the U.S. Department of Education’s role in today’s education system. The message from the Trump administration is to return the oversight of education to the states and make major … Continued
The ongoing tension between privacy and government enforcement continues to grow. With rising global instability, federal governments have increased efforts against international threats. These efforts have taken many forms, from tightening national border security to considering a nationwide ban on TikTok. An ongoing controversy that has gained the fear of the corporate world is the … Continued
Sometimes following tradition does not work. In legal writing, it can lead to a stodgy style as well as missed chances to advance goals of equity and inclusion. We are on the brink of the publication of the 22nd edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. Given the exalted status of the Bluebook, … Continued
In January, a question of first impression in the context of prenuptial agreements came before the New York Supreme Court: Must a self-represented future spouse be provided with presumptive calculations of waived maintenance to knowingly waive that maintenance? Yes, the court held, he must. In J.M. v. G.V.,[1] Justice Jeffrey S. Sunshine of Kings County … Continued
Richard Kokel’s connection with the New York State Bar Association has come full circle. His ascension to chair of the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section marks the latest chapter since he became reengaged with the association some 15 years ago after his daughter was 7 or 8 years old. A no-fault arbitrator and a … Continued
If you are a land use practitioner, you have likely been approached by a prospective client who insists that he or she has an absolute right to obtain a zoning variance because the facts of their application resemble those on which prior variances were granted for other properties in a different zoning district on the … Continued