Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

New York State Bar Association is Disappointed That Out-Of-State Lawyers Are Still Beholden to Century-Old Office Requirement

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s veto of a bill that would have repealed Judiciary Law Section 470: “We are both dismayed and confused by the governor’s veto of the repeal of a law that requires out-of-state attorneys to have in-state offices. Remote … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Commends State Court System for Expanded Anti-Bias and Discrimination Training

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, released the following statement about the New York Unified Court System’s announcement that it has added new components to its continued efforts to combat bias and identity-based hate, adding new training programs to address antisemitism, hate crimes, and Islamophobia. “In the face of a disturbing … Continued

Capital District Lawyers Helping Lawyers Group Honors Attorney With Ray of Hope Award

David Keehn, an attorney with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, received the Ray of Hope Award in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to lawyer well-being. Keehn is a past co-chair of Capital District Lawyers Helping Lawyers, one of 13 New York State Bar Association peer-led support groups that offer confidential assistance … Continued

Corporate Counsel Institute Takes on Workplace Issues

An all-star lineup of chief legal officers from 19 prominent companies discussed a wide variety of topics, including data security, employee mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion at the New York State Bar Association’s 10th Corporate Counsel Institute. The offices of Kelley Drye & Warren in New York City hosted the all-day event. Data … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Decries Rise in Antisemitic Incidents, Thanks Governor for Combating Hate Crimes

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fight against antisemitism: “We applaud Gov. Hochul’s powerful and eloquent words yesterday at the American Jewish Committee’s Board of Governors meeting. Pointing to a 217 percent increase in antisemitic incidents — including messages threatening violence at Cornell … Continued

NYSBA Recommends Expanding Broadband, Providing Digital Literacy Training, and Increasing Access to Electronic Devices

The New York State Bar Association is recommending increased broadband service, digital literacy training and wider access to electronic devices to ensure that all New Yorkers can take part in virtual court proceedings. The recommendations were included in a report by the Task Force on the Post-Pandemic Future of the Profession, which the association’s governing … Continued