Author: Rebecca Melnitsky

AI Can Do Many Tasks for Lawyers – But Be Careful

Artificial intelligence can perform several tasks to aid lawyers and save time. But lawyers must be cautious when using this new technology, lest they break confidentiality or violate ethical standards. The New York State Bar Association hosted a hybrid program discussing AI’s potential and its pitfalls for the legal profession. More than 300 people watched … Continued

My Testimony on the New York State Bar Exam

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, testified today in front of the Advisory Committee that is making recommendations to the Court of Appeals on how the state should test law school graduates on their knowledge of New York law. The NextGen exam is replacing the Uniform Bar Exam in New York … Continued

NYSBA Commends Governor, Legislature for Tackling Mental Health Crisis but Decries Sweep of $120 Million From Indigent Legal Services

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about this year’s final budget: “The New York State Bar Association is outraged by the sweep of $120 million for Indigent Legal Services to the State’s General Fund in this year’s final budget at a time when the ability of all … Continued

New York State Bar Association Mourns the Death of Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the death of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter: “Justice Souter cared deeply about the U.S. Constitution and strongly supported adhering to precedent. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, he was ideologically independent, and he valued standing up for … Continued

NYSBA Program Focuses on the Benefits, Dangers of AI for Lawyers

As more attorneys incorporate artificial intelligence into their practices, the New York State Bar Association is hosting a program on how to use the technology in a safe and ethical way. “AI technologies can benefit us by reducing repetitive tasks, setting priorities, and optimizing productivity,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar … Continued

NYSBA Leadership Goes to Washington

New York State Bar Association leaders went to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the association’s federal legislative priorities earlier this month, holding over a dozen meetings to discuss critical issues including funding for the Legal Services Corporation, access to justice and preservation of the Rule of Law. The association shared recent association reports and statements … Continued

Decisions About Diversity Programs Carry Consequences

With the Trump administration questioning the legality of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, employers must figure out what to do going forward. Companies face risk when they decide to continue their diversity programs but abandoning them has downsides too. It depends on how much risk an organization is willing to take on. A recent Continuing … Continued