Dear Colleagues: Please allow me to report briefly on the Association’s recent activities. We are collaborating with several organizations around the country in support of the rule of law and advocating to preserve and enhance access to justice. One example of this vital work is our advocacy to save funding for the Legal Services Corporation. … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is working with the Commercial Division Advisory Council to provide economic benefits to NYSBA members and the State of New York. NYSBA President Kathleen Sweet discusses these joint efforts. Q: To put this conversation in context, remind us about your priorities as NYSBA president. A: My principal goal is … Continued
The New York State Bar Association continues to speak out against threats to the rule of law. In just the last ten months, the association and its leaders have published nearly two dozen articles and statements on issues ranging from judicial independence to the government shutdown. Oct. 21, 2025 New York State Bar Association Gravely … Continued
A panel of state education leaders assembled by the New York State Bar Association to discuss the issue of media literacy agree that promoting civic readiness is essential, but challenges persist in making the programs available to all students. “Social studies is being marginalized,” said Melinda Person, president of the New York State United Teachers … Continued
As Americans are bombarded by information, they need tools and resources to sort fact from fiction. To that end, the New York State Bar Association hosted an all-day convocation on the necessity of media literacy, and how the legal profession can help the public understand and participate in civic life in order to protect the … Continued
Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement today about the government shutdown: “Because of the continuing government shutdown, our federal courts cannot maintain full operations. While certain limited functions will still be performed — including those that protect human life and property — the inability of our courts … Continued
Managing partners at a New York State Bar Association event said they are facing stiff resistance from attorneys and staff who don’t want to work full-time in the office. The leaders of four of New York’s top law firms said that moving back to the office is essential for creating healthy profits and developing legal … Continued
When an attorney becomes a judge, the New York State Bar Association officially considers them to be retired from the practice of law. The newly minted judge no longer has to earn 24 hours of continuing legal education credit every two years. Similarly, they no longer have to pay the bi-annual registration fee. In addition, … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is bringing together leaders from education, the law, the judiciary, politics, and the media to explore the critical role of media literacy in protecting democratic values. “Misinformation and digital manipulation can shape public opinion,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The convocation will highlight … Continued
Local governments are increasingly finding themselves at the center of First Amendment controversies. Whether it is a public comment period that goes awry, a social media post that blurs the line between governmental and personal speech, or a resident recording at the clerk’s office, municipalities are encountering First Amendment issues every day. These developments highlight … Continued