Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

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

Celebrating Our History: Vivian Wesson

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Vivian Wesson, the chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, is proud of how the association is preparing attorneys for the impact of AI. “The biggest … Continued

Celebrating Our History: Sarah Gold

In honor of our 150th anniversary, we asked longtime, involved members for their recollections of the New York State Bar Association. Sarah Gold recalled meeting U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a Supreme Court admission Program in 2014. “We knew Ruth Bader Ginsburg was coming by because we had set … Continued

Horseshoe Crab Harvesting Will Soon Be Banned in New York

By 2029, New York State will completely ban horseshoe crab harvesting, making it the third state to do so after Connecticut and New Jersey. This represents a massive achievement for environmental groups and a model for future conservation efforts. A continuing legal education course explained the significance of horseshoe crabs and what people should know … Continued