Category: Latest News

Can You Get Fired For Speaking Your Mind Online?

Employees are free to express their opinions, but their employers may hold them responsible for the content of what they say. With the widespread use of social media and the blurring of the lines between work and home, many workplaces are dealing with these contentious issues. The New York State Bar Association hosted a Continuing … Continued

Where Do We Go From Here? Dispute Resolution DEI Initiatives After the Students for Fair Admissions Decision

In recent years, dispute resolution service providers, professional associations and court-annexed ADR programs have launched initiatives to increase diversity, equity and inclusion among dispute resolution practitioners. These programs seek to recruit, train and support members of historically underrepresented communities in the mediation and arbitration fields and provide them with the necessary training and experience to … Continued

Symposium Illuminates the Causes of Systemic Racism and Why Inequities Are Still Prevalent in Our Lives

The unequal outcomes of long-standing discriminatory laws and policies are still having an impact locally and nationally, speakers at a symposium presented by the New York State Bar Association and Albany Law School told participants. The symposium examined how centuries-old approaches in housing, health and education have widened the wealth gap between various demographic groups. … Continued

Trial Academy Provides New Lawyers With a Boot Camp Experience

A one-of-a-kind boot camp for trial attorneys who want to improve their courtroom skills is set to kick off on April 6 in Albany. The five-day New York State Bar Association academy covers all aspects of a trial from jury selection to closing arguments. The event draws the best civil and criminal litigators from around … Continued

What the Equal Rights Amendment Will Mean in New York

On Nov. 5, 2024, New York voters will be asked to decide whether New York amends its constitution to include an equal rights amendment. Below is a discussion of the amendment and its path to the ballot as well as its potential impact on the rights and protections of New York’s citizens. The timing of … Continued

New York State Bar Association Event To Examine Issues Related to Social Media and Free Speech in the Workplace

What happens when political speech causes friction and disputes in the workplace? What rights do employees have when speaking about current events on social media? Many businesses and employers are struggling with these issues due to the recent conflict in the Middle East. An upcoming New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Course, “’Free … Continued

NYSBA Supports Funding of the Indigent Legal Services Fund

In the Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed transferring $234 million from the Indigent Legal Services Fund (“ILSF”). Although $114 million would properly be used toward funding the state’s assigned counsel/18b attorneys, $120 million would go to the State General Fund. Established in 2003 via enactment of State Finance Law § 98-b, the ILSF is … Continued