Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

The Practical Issues of Medical Aid in Dying

Assuming there comes a time when New York State has a law allowing the terminally ill to end their lives – also known as Medical Aid in Dying – attorneys will have a lot of practical issues to consider for their clients. A panel presented by the Elder Law and Special Needs Section at the … Continued

New York State Bar Association Recommends Legalizing Basement Apartments To Reduce Homelessness

The New York State Bar Association is recommending legalizing safe basement apartments and allowing people to renovate their properties to house more people. The association’s governing body, the House of Delegates, adopted these and other recommendations Friday following a report from its Task Force on Homelessness and the Law. “Making housing safe and affordable keeps … Continued

P. Diddy and Other Clients Who Make News

A panel of legal experts – including the attorney for Sean “Diddy” Combs –   discussed the many challenges attorneys face when trying cases in both the court of law and the court of public opinion at the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. The panelists were: Valerie Caproni, United States … Continued

U.S. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston To Receive High Honor From New York State Bar Association

Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, is set to receive the Stanley Fuld Award, the highest honor of the New York State Bar Association’s Commercial and Federal Litigation Section. “Judge Livingston has had a long and distinguished career in public service,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the … Continued

New York State Bar Association To Honor the Legacy of Long Island Lawyer Who Died Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Ariel Weinstock – who died a year after suffering a traumatic brain injury – will receive an attorney professionalism award from the New York State Bar Association. His father, Benjamin, the mayor of Cedarhurst, will accept the award on Ariel’s behalf at the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. “I hope this award commemorating … Continued

New York State Bar Association Calls Governor’s Veto of Bill Lifting Ban on Jury Service for Felons Disappointing

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s veto of S206B/A1432C, which lifted the ban on felons serving on a jury: “All New Yorkers deserve a chance at redemption. It is wrong to deny the rights of citizenship to felons who have paid their debts … Continued

NYSBA Praises Governor for Signing Law Requiring Social Media Companies To Disclose Hate Speech Moderation Policies

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul signing the Stop Hiding Hate Act (S895-B/A6789-B): “The Stop Hiding Hate Act will require social media companies to disclose what actions they are taking to put an end to the spread of hate on their … Continued