Author: Jennifer

Judges, Gag Orders and Free Speech: Where Are the Boundaries?

To the Forum: I am an attorney defending my client in a bench trial against allegations of fraud. My client is a well-known public figure, so the case has been closely monitored by the media. My client has been very vocal about his concerns that the judge and his staff are biased against him. And I … Continued

Where Do We Go From Here? Dispute Resolution DEI Initiatives After the Students for Fair Admissions Decision

In recent years, dispute resolution service providers, professional associations and court-annexed ADR programs have launched initiatives to increase diversity, equity and inclusion among dispute resolution practitioners. These programs seek to recruit, train and support members of historically underrepresented communities in the mediation and arbitration fields and provide them with the necessary training and experience to … Continued

Trial Academy Provides New Lawyers With a Boot Camp Experience

A one-of-a-kind boot camp for trial attorneys who want to improve their courtroom skills is set to kick off on April 6 in Albany. The five-day New York State Bar Association academy covers all aspects of a trial from jury selection to closing arguments. The event draws the best civil and criminal litigators from around … Continued

What the Equal Rights Amendment Will Mean in New York

On Nov. 5, 2024, New York voters will be asked to decide whether New York amends its constitution to include an equal rights amendment. Below is a discussion of the amendment and its path to the ballot as well as its potential impact on the rights and protections of New York’s citizens. The timing of … Continued

NYSBA Supports Funding of the Indigent Legal Services Fund

In the Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed transferring $234 million from the Indigent Legal Services Fund (“ILSF”). Although $114 million would properly be used toward funding the state’s assigned counsel/18b attorneys, $120 million would go to the State General Fund. Established in 2003 via enactment of State Finance Law § 98-b, the ILSF is … Continued