Category: Latest News

New York State Bar Association Strongly Condemns Abhorrent Attacks Against Israeli and Arab Citizens and the Sovereign State

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Hamas’ invasion of Israel: “The New York State Bar Association strongly condemns Hamas’ premeditated invasion of Israel and its brutal murders of hundreds of Israeli and Arab citizens in their homes and communities. The attacks are abhorrent and unforgivable and … Continued

Two Longstanding Juvenile Justice Advocates To Be Presented With The New York State Bar Association’s Howard A. Levine Award

Two outstanding advocates for children and their families will be presented with the New York State Bar Association’s Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare. Martin Guggenheim, who has taught for 50 years at the New York University School of Law, and Michele Brown, the former chief attorney at the … Continued

Public Hearing Set for October 13 on Judicial Pay

The New York State Commission on Legislative, Executive and Judicial Compensation is holding a public hearing in New York City next week. The hearing will be livestreamed on the commission’s website. Commissioners will hear testimony at 10 a.m. Friday Oct. 13 at the New York City Bar Association’s CLE Center on West 44th Street in … Continued

Law Clerk Accepting Payments for Referrals Is Unacceptable

To the Forum: I am an attorney working for one of the federal courts in New York State. When I first began working with the court about a year ago, one of the clerks who handles criminal case intake took me under his wing and guided me through my first year. We became close friends … Continued

Rochester Attorney Honored by the New York State Bar Association for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

The New York State Bar Association honored David M. Tang, an attorney committed to diversity in the legal profession, with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award in a virtual celebration on Oct. 3. Tang, a partner at Underberg & Kessler in Rochester, represents and advises clients in business, health care, restructuring and commercial litigation matters. … Continued

Esteemed Panelists From Around the World to Gather For Symposium on Emerging Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence

The emergence of decentralized digital technologies such as the metaverse, blockchain and cryptocurrency, along with artificial intelligence, is reshaping the practice of law, and the New York State Bar Association is examining the global implications of this phenomenon. More than 40 legal and technology industry experts from around the globe will offer their analysis of … Continued

President-Elect Candidate Statement: Kathleen M. Sweet

I submit this as my declaration of candidacy for the office of President-Elect. My candidacy is derived from my gratitude to the profession I have been fortunate to enjoy for 30 years. I am enthusiastic about the challenge and eager to serve. I am a proud graduate of Boston College and Villanova Law School. I … Continued

President-Elect Candidate Statement: Timothy Fennell

As COVID closed down the country, we received notice that the practice of law was, with some exceptions, not essential. We were told our practices were being shut down. I recall one attorney who told me how he had to hide in his office with the blinds drawn so not to be in violation of … Continued

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to Receive New York State Bar Association’s Highest Honor at Gala

Jeh Johnson, the former secretary of homeland security, will receive the New York State Bar Association’s Gold Medal Award, its highest honor, at the association’s Presidential Gala Jan. 18 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. “Jeh has been a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Richard Lewis, president of the … Continued