Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

Celebrating Our History: Vincent Chang

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Vincent Chang recalled serving on the Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate, and the Task Force on Advancing Diversity. “There was a lot of anguish in the Asian American community and the … Continued

Celebrating Our History: John Feerick

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. John Feerick, dean emeritus at Fordham Law School, remembered when he learned he would be honored with the Gold Medal Award in 1996. “I was stunned when I was asked to receive the Gold … Continued

Celebrating Our History: Patricia Shevy

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Patricia Shevy, past chair of the Trusts and Estates Law Section, remembered how the COVID-19 pandemic changed programming. “Back in the beginning, we had CLE programs throughout the state. So, there would be speakers … Continued

New York State Bar Association Supports Right To Counsel for Detained Immigrants

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has dramatically increased arrests and deportations. The New York State Bar Association urges passage of legislation that will ensure that immigrants have lawyers to represent them in detention proceedings. On Saturday, the New York State Bar Association’s governing body, the House of Delegates, adopted a report from its Committee on Immigration … Continued

Celebrating Our History: Anthony Enea

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Anthony Enea, past chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section, remembered the successful fight against a law that criminalized advising clients on transfers of assets to qualify for Medicaid, otherwise known as … Continued

Celebrating Our History: Oliver Young

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Oliver Young helps develop the case that is presented to the 4,000 high school students who participate in the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition each year. One of his fondest memories … Continued

Do Movie Theaters Have a Future?

When was the last time you saw a film at a movie theater? Most likely it has been some time. The film industry has seen movie attendance decline due to competition from other forms of entertainment. A recent seminar by the New York State Bar Association delved into the state of movies and what the … Continued

Celebrating Our History: Peter Clark

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Peter Clark, an attorney in Chautauqua County, fondly recalls bringing his family to New York State Bar Association meetings. “My favorite spot to go for the bar meetings was Cooperstown. There’s nothing quite like … Continued

New York State Bar Association Opposes Rule Exempting Department of Justice Attorneys From Independent Disciplinary Process

New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet has submitted formal comments opposing the Attorney General’s proposed rule that would exempt DOJ attorneys from independent oversight by state courts and disciplinary bodies, undermining longstanding ethical safeguards. In a letter to the Attorney General, NYSBA warned that the proposed rule violates federal law. “NYSBA’s position is … Continued