Author: Susan

New York State Bar Association Is Studying the Impact of Facial Recognition Software on Individual Freedom

The New York State Bar Association is examining the legal and ethical implications and the impact on personal freedom of corporations employing facial recognition software to ban their adversaries – and every lawyer who works for a firm that represents them — from entering sports and entertainment venues. The association’s Executive Committee on Wednesday launched … Continued

NYSBA Calls for Statewide Equity for the Increase in State-Funded Compensation for Assigned Counsel

Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement today following the release of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2023-24 executive budget proposal: “Gov. Kathy Hochul recognized the need for increased pay for assigned counsel in New York State. But her proposal calling for lower rates upstate relative to downstate is … Continued

New York State Bar Association Supports Key Investments in Governor’s Budget Proposal

The New York State Bar Association supports the key investments important to the association’s membership  that Gov. Hochul has included in her preliminary budget proposal. In particular, the association favors  the expansion and protection of reproductive health care, landmark investment in mental health care, significant criminal justice initiatives and improvements to the housing stock. The … Continued

Law on Electronic Notary Services Goes Into Effect Feb. 1

A new law, NY Executive Law Section 135-c, authorizes notaries to perform electronic notarial acts by registering with the Department of State and complying with new rules. Notaries wishing to provide electronic notary services will be able to register with the Department of State starting on Feb. 1. After Jan. 31, New York State will no … Continued

NYSBA Calls ERA a Crucial Amendment to the State Constitution

Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the state Legislature’s passage of the ERA: “The New York State Bar Association commends the state Legislature for deciding today to put the ERA, a crucial amendment to the state Constitution, before voters. The Equal Rights Amendment extends protections … Continued

In Accepting Gold Medal, Civil Rights Attorney Sherrilyn Ifill Implores New York State Bar Association Lawyers To Protect the ‘Boundaries of the Rule of Law’

Civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill told 300 people gathered to see her receive the Gold Medal, the New York State Bar Association’s highest honor, that “it is our job to protect the boundaries of the rule of law in this country. And because you, we, are the New York State Bar, we have outsized influence … Continued

As Joint Dispensaries Begin To Bud in NY, Lawyers Focus on Regulations

New York’s first recreational marijuana dispensary opened in Manhattan in late December nearly two years after historic legislation was passed that legalized adult cannabis use and allowed for the implementation of a regulatory framework for the production, licensing, packaging, marketing and sale of cannabis. As has been the case throughout the entire process, the New … Continued

Mental Health Courts Operate With Compassion

The state’s mental health and other problem-solving courts are offering people living with mental illness and trauma a way to rebuild their lives and stay out of jail, panelists told lawyers gathered Friday at the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. “Flexibility is essential. We come to know our people … Continued