The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, in issuing Formal Opinion 518 in October 2025, has done the mediation field a favor, although not every individual mediator may agree. In revisiting lawyer-mediator obligations when dealing with unrepresented parties and clarifying a neutral’s obligations to be truthful in an environment where negotiation … Continued
How are federal executive orders limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives affecting LGBTQ+ attorneys? A seminar hosted by the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Law Section delved into this question, as well as how LGBTQ+ attorneys can navigate this changed environment. The speakers were: Dena DeFazio, counsel at Barclay Damon. Louis DiLorenzo, co-managing member … Continued
New York State Bar Association President Kathleen M. Sweet issued the following statement on the Governor’s Executive Budget: “As the New York State Bar Association continues to analyze the 2027 Executive Budget proposals, we commend Governor Hochul for strengthening funding for the Judiciary, proposing to ban illegal homegrown firearms (ghost guns), and protecting the integrity … Continued
When representing people with trauma, it is important to understand that they may act in ways that seem illogical or tell their story nonlinearly. A seminar presented by the Elder Law and Special Needs Section at the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting explained how traumatic events affect memory recall, and how attorneys can … Continued
The New York State Bar Association calls on the Trump Administration to ensure that public sector lawyers — who represent crime victims, children, and numerous and other clients — can benefit from the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program. The House of Delegates, the association’s governing body, approved a report that details the devastating effect … Continued
The New York State Bar Association honored Chief Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks with its Ruth G. Schapiro Award during a meeting of its governing body at the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City on Friday, Jan. 16. Judge Dancks is a United States Magistrate judge for the Northern District of New York. She … Continued
Ransomware attacks have evolved into a billion-dollar threat and businesses of all sizes are at risk. Preparing a business for the threat and planning a response was the topic of a panel discussion sponsored by the Local and State Government Law Section at the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting. The panelists represented legal, … Continued
Artificial intelligence can help civil legal service organizations by increasing productivity and reducing administrative burdens. The New York State Bar Association released a series of recommendations for organizations looking to utilize AI technology. The association’s governing body, the House of Delegates, adopted a report on Friday with these recommendations from its President’s Committee on Access to … Continued
Dear Colleagues: Our much anticipated 150th anniversary celebration has finally arrived. It is gratifying to renew acquaintances, reflect on our history, partake in our awards ceremonies, and learn from our esteemed panelists and CLE faculty. Add to the celebration that for the first time in over a decade our members in January 2026 exceed what … Continued
The New York State Bar Association honored trailblazing attorneys for their commitment to diversity in the legal profession, mentorship of young attorneys and devotion to community service. The awards were presented Wednesday at the Constance Baker Motley Symposium during the association’s Annual Meeting at the Hilton Midtown in New York City. The event recognizes lawyers … Continued