New York State Bar Association President Richard Lewis joined lawmakers calling for an increase in funding for New York’s Family Courts to address a crisis in the courts affecting children, parents and caregivers. He joined the chairs of the state Senate and Assembly Judiciary and Children and Families committees, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Assembly Members … Continued
Building on the momentum of the New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department successes in 2023, the Association will begin this month advocating for key legislative initiatives in both the state and national capitals for 2024. After consultation with the sections, committees and task forces, NYSBA’s legislative policy committee works with the government relations … Continued
In health care settings, biometric authentication is often used to streamline the patient registration process by minimizing paperwork and improving patient intake to ensure secure, precise health care service delivery.[1] Notably, Elmhurst Hospital, the Mount Sinai Health System, New York University Langone Health and other hospitals in New York have integrated biometric authentication technologies into … Continued
Contested Article 81 guardianship cases are becoming both more frequent and more litigious, straining the resources of the court system, petitioners and the alleged incapacitated persons and their estates. There is no other type of litigation where a person who has done nothing that creates any legal liability can be brought to court against their … Continued
A popular Medicaid planning strategy in the past has been transferring a home to children, while reserving a “life estate” interest on the deed. The grantor-owner would be the “life estate holder” and the children would be the “remaindermen,” becoming the outright owners upon the death of the grantor. The value of the retained life … Continued
The New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department had its most productive legislative session in years during 2023. Significant NYSBA priorities were signed into law, including a major increase in hourly rates for attorneys in 18b/assigned counsel cases, the Clean Slate Act, amendments to Notary Requirements, and the formation of a commission to study … Continued
The American Bar Association’s House of Delegates today adopted a New York State Bar Association report advising colleges, graduate schools, law firms and other businesses how to maintain diversity in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. “The report lays out a blueprint for how we can continue the important work … Continued
The Billable Hour Reimagined: A Toolkit for Future-Focused Law Firms Is the billable hour becoming a thing of the past? In an era where client expectations are reaching new heights, it’s crucial for your law firm to stay ahead of the curve. From understanding the nuances of various fee structures to embracing technology for streamlined … Continued
Aretha Franklin’s 1967 “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” became one of her most popular songs.[1] Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin for Franklin,[2] it was later covered by King herself on her 1971 “Tapestry” album.[3] Incredibly, the song later became a hit for Franklin on the United Kingdom’s singles chart almost … Continued
Governor Hochul has vetoed a proposed law banning noncompete agreements, legislation that had the potential to disrupt years of labor law practice in New York.[1] The law would have covered all individuals – i.e., individuals performing work or services for an organization who are in a position of economic dependence on that organization – and … Continued