Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

Yonit Calmanovich To Start Tenure As Israel Chapter Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association’s International Section

The New York State Bar Association is building its standing in the international legal community with a surge of new members in its Israel chapter. Yonit Calmanovich, an attorney based in Tel Aviv and the head of the Israel Bar Association’s international department, will serve as the chapter’s new co-chair. She was also recently chosen … Continued

Pro Bono Volunteers Needed: Help Human Trafficking Survivors

Lawyers looking for pro bono work have many opportunities to help survivors of human trafficking. A Continuing Legal Education course presented by the New York State Bar Association detailed the immense need for volunteers to aid survivors with legal assistance on issues such as immigration, housing, credit, criminal proceedings and much more. The speakers were: … Continued

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Speaks With Students at New York State Bar Association Civics Convocation

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shared wisdom, advice and anecdotes with high school and college students at the New York State Bar Association’s Civics Convocation – a daylong event to promote and advance civic education in New York State. Justice Sotomayor, who appeared virtually, answered questions from 10 students from three high schools – … Continued

New York State Bar Association To Host Program To Aid Human Trafficking Victims, Connect Lawyers With Pro Bono Opportunities

Human trafficking – labor that is forced through fraud or coercion – is often hidden in plain sight. From 2007 to 2021, the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking identified 2,137 victims in the state including more than 500 minors. About two-thirds were exploited for sexual acts while the rest engaged in … Continued

NYSBA Commends Governor, Legislature for Protecting Constitutional Rights of Children, Indigent Adults

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the approval of the 2024-25 state budget, which includes continued funding to adequately pay 18-B attorneys to represent children and indigent adults: “The New York State Bar Association commends the governor and the legislature for ensuring that the constitutional rights … Continued

New York State Bar Association Commends the Medical Society of The State of New York for Supporting Medical Aid In Dying

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement in response to the Medical Society of the State of New York’s decision to support medical aid in dying: “Support for medical aid in dying offers both dignity and compassion for those grappling with what can be a very difficult time … Continued

New York State Bar Association Objects to Transfer of $55 Million Set Aside To Pay for Civil Legal Services For Low-Income New Yorkers

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about a proposal in the state budget agreement that takes money away from low-income New Yorkers who need civil legal services: “The New York State Bar Association strenuously objects to the transfer of $55 million from the IOLA Fund to pay … Continued