Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

International Human Rights Experts To Discuss Justice for Wartime Sexual Violence Victims at the 2025 Presidential Summit

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Wartime sexual violence and human trafficking bring tremendous anguish to victims, but laws are rarely enforced, and perpetrators are rarely punished. The New York State Bar Association will amplify efforts to support survivors and pursue justice for victims in its upcoming Presidential Summit. “Human traffickers often take their victims across borders, making it difficult to … Continued

Implicit Bias: Why People Believe Information That Is Wrong

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How do unconscious, pre-existing beliefs shape and limit our decisions? How can lawyers break out of such mindsets to better serve their clients? In a recent Continuing Legal Education course hosted by the New York State Bar Association, presenter Claude Ducloux tackled these questions and more in a discussion of implicit bias. Ducloux is an … Continued

New York State Bar Association Honors Westchester Attorney for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

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Jacqueline Hattar was presented with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 9. Hattar, a partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, advises individuals, small businesses, and property owners on tort liability, wrongful death, construction accidents and labor law matters. She has spearheaded diversity efforts at her firm including … Continued

Public Housing Tenants Face Legal Obstacle Course To Get Repairs

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Public housing tenants in New York State often find it difficult to get needed repairs and maintenance. A New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education course discussed how lawyers can be part of the solution, and the steps needed to empower tenants in tackling these issues. Anna Luft, public housing justice project director at … Continued

New Cannabis Chair Jeffrey Schultz Wants To Grow Membership

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As the new practice area of cannabis law grows, Jeffrey Schultz wants the New York State Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Section to flourish as well. Schultz, the new chair of the Cannabis Law Section, said the association has a role to play in keeping attorneys in this expanding and dynamic field informed. “The legal and … Continued

New York State Bar Association Announces That Matthew Pennello Will Lead its Government Relations Department

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Matthew Pennello, who has more than a decade of experience working at the highest level of state government, has joined the New York State Bar Association as its director of government relations. “We are delighted to have someone of Matthew Pennello’s experience and stature lead our Government Relations Department,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the … Continued