In 2015, 19-year-old Alecia Faith Pennington gained viral internet fame as “The Girl Who Doesn’t Exist.”[1] Alecia was home-birthed and raised in Texas. Her parents never secured her a birth certificate or Social Security number, never enrolled her in school and never took her to a hospital.[2] Without these vital records, Alecia could not get … Continued
A dozen representatives of civil legal service organizations, family court, and advocacy groups testified before a panel at the Court of Appeals in Albany led by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson. Panelists included Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Presiding Justice Gerald Whalen (Fourth Department), Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle (Second Department), Presiding Justice Dianne Renwick (First Department) … Continued
On June 29, 2023, the U.S Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions (“SFFA”) v. President and Fellow of Harvard; SFFA v. University of North Carolina (“UNC”) effectively prohibited the consideration of an applicant’s racial status as a factor in admissions. Although the court made clear that direct consideration of an applicant’s race as an admission … Continued
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
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as it is commonly known, is not only a childhood condition. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and stays into adulthood, although symptoms may change over time. The challenges for adults, specifically lawyers, living with ADHD was the subject of a recent program sponsored by the … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is hosting a virtual career fair on Sept. 28 to connect new lawyers with firms looking to hire. Whether you’re a paralegal, recent law school graduate, newly-admitted attorney, or an attorney practicing for years, this career fair is the place for you. The two-hour event will connect applicants with … Continued
Serhiy Hoshovsky is a native of Ukraine and joined the New York State Bar Association 20 years ago while studying for his LLM at Fordham University School of Law. His New York City practice focuses on both domestic and international law. Hoshovsky is one of the co-chairs of the Ukraine Task Force in the International … Continued
Some Practical Tips When Applying for Professional Liability Insurance In recent years, buyers of lawyers’ professional liability (“LPL”) insurance have enjoyed a “soft market” (many competing carriers and lower premium costs due to price competition). But it doesn’t necessarily feel that way when the bill is paid each year. Malpractice premiums are still a large … Continued
New York State Bar Association President Richard Lewis addressed 29 new Americans with roots in 19 countries at a naturalization ceremony marking Constitution Day. For the new citizens, it is the culmination of years of waiting, and studying, to become U.S. citizens. Dutchess County Family Court and Acting Supreme Court Judge Joseph Egitto presiding over … Continued
With the summer memories in the rear view mirror, it’s time to usher in a new season and head back to work and school. The New York State Bar Association is proud to acknowledge 17 members who are taking on leadership roles in our association’s sections. They each bring expertise in the practice of law … Continued