Since the enactment of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, New York has prioritized – and made strides toward – developing the once-nascent renewable energy industry into the backbone of the state’s electric grid. One cornerstone of New York’s clean energy strategy is offshore wind development. The new act directs the state … Continued
The advisory committee appointed by the New York Court of Appeals will hold three public hearings in May to hear testimony on how the bar exam should test knowledge of New York practice and procedure. In New York, the NextGen Exam is replacing the Uniform Bar Exam in July of 2028, and the court is … Continued
With a new secretary of education and a new administration determined to cut federal spending, we are faced with the prospect of drastically reducing (or abolishing) the U.S. Department of Education’s role in today’s education system. The message from the Trump administration is to return the oversight of education to the states and make major … Continued
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
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
The ongoing tension between privacy and government enforcement continues to grow. With rising global instability, federal governments have increased efforts against international threats. These efforts have taken many forms, from tightening national border security to considering a nationwide ban on TikTok. An ongoing controversy that has gained the fear of the corporate world is the … Continued
Sometimes following tradition does not work. In legal writing, it can lead to a stodgy style as well as missed chances to advance goals of equity and inclusion. We are on the brink of the publication of the 22nd edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. Given the exalted status of the Bluebook, … Continued
In January, a question of first impression in the context of prenuptial agreements came before the New York Supreme Court: Must a self-represented future spouse be provided with presumptive calculations of waived maintenance to knowingly waive that maintenance? Yes, the court held, he must. In J.M. v. G.V.,[1] Justice Jeffrey S. Sunshine of Kings County … Continued
Richard Kokel’s connection with the New York State Bar Association has come full circle. His ascension to chair of the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section marks the latest chapter since he became reengaged with the association some 15 years ago after his daughter was 7 or 8 years old. A no-fault arbitrator and a … Continued
Sharon Brown, diversity partner at Barclay Damon, will receive the New York State Bar Association’s Attorney Professionalism Award. The award recognizes her commitment to integrity, fairness and the highest ethical standards. Brown balances her demanding practice in public finance with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm. Brown revamped her firm’s summer associate program … Continued