Category: Latest News

The Appointment Clause and the Power of Administrative Patent Judges

In 2011, Congress enacted the Leah-Smith American Invents Act, which created proceedings called inter partes review permitting reexamination of already issued patents based on novelty and obviousness.[1] The proceedings are conducted by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, an executive adjudicatory body that is part of the Patent and Trademark Office. In Arthrex v. Smith … Continued

A Few Tips on Cross-Examination

“An astute lawyer approaches trial preparation strategically and meticulously, leaving nothing to chance.” – Louis Nizer, New York City trial lawyer Back in the day, a young associate came to me after losing a case at trial and asked how she could improve her cross-examination. She went on to state: I followed every rule of cross-examination: … Continued

New York State Bar Association Supports Key Investments in Governor’s Budget Proposal

The New York State Bar Association supports the key investments important to the association’s membership  that Gov. Hochul has included in her preliminary budget proposal. In particular, the association favors  the expansion and protection of reproductive health care, landmark investment in mental health care, significant criminal justice initiatives and improvements to the housing stock. The … Continued

Law on Electronic Notary Services Goes Into Effect Feb. 1

A new law, NY Executive Law Section 135-c, authorizes notaries to perform electronic notarial acts by registering with the Department of State and complying with new rules. Notaries wishing to provide electronic notary services will be able to register with the Department of State starting on Feb. 1. After Jan. 31, New York State will no … Continued

New York State Bar Association Presents Distinguished Jurist Award to Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle

The Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association honored four judges including the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, Hector LaSalle, during Annual Meeting. “The judiciary is the cornerstone of our justice system,” said Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The hard work and dedication of … Continued

Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Honors Three Outstanding Attorneys During Annual Meeting

The New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion honored three outstanding attorneys during the association’s Annual Meeting  in New York City. Retired federal Judge Randolph Treece and Ross Moskowitz, a partner at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, received the John E. Higgins Diversity Trailblazer Award and Ronelle Porter was named the … Continued

Pioneering Practitioner Honored With Ruth G. Schapiro Memorial Award From New York State Bar Association’s Women In Law Section

The Chief United States District Judge, Western District of New York, Elizabeth Wolford received the Ruth G. Schapiro Memorial Award during the New York State Bar Association’s House of Delegates at the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. “Judge Wolford epitomizes the very essence of this award,” said Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the … Continued

NYSBA Calls ERA a Crucial Amendment to the State Constitution

Sherry Levin Wallach, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the state Legislature’s passage of the ERA: “The New York State Bar Association commends the state Legislature for deciding today to put the ERA, a crucial amendment to the state Constitution, before voters. The Equal Rights Amendment extends protections … Continued

In Accepting Gold Medal, Civil Rights Attorney Sherrilyn Ifill Implores New York State Bar Association Lawyers To Protect the ‘Boundaries of the Rule of Law’

Civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill told 300 people gathered to see her receive the Gold Medal, the New York State Bar Association’s highest honor, that “it is our job to protect the boundaries of the rule of law in this country. And because you, we, are the New York State Bar, we have outsized influence … Continued