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
LGBTQ+ asylum seekers have a rough road to travel. Aside from the in-depth requirements that face anyone applying for asylum, government policies, red tape and changing administrations can leave would-be asylees in a holding pattern for years. A recent Continuing Legal Education course, hosted by the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ Law Section, delved … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is advocating for passage of a law that would make it more likely that the pension of a public employee continues to pay out until the surviving spouse dies. The association’s House of Delegates on Jan. 19 approved a recommendation from its Trusts and Estates Law Section that the … Continued
Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget, which moves $100 million from a fund that pays for low-income New Yorkers to get civil legal services, to the general fund: “The New York State Bar Association strenuously objects to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s misguided … Continued
On a frigid Saturday in January, the ballroom at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan was wall to wall with attorneys and their supporters all present to honor the best in prosecution, criminal defense and the judiciary. The Criminal Justice Section of the New York State Bar Association honored Judge Matthew D’Emic, a pioneer who … Continued