In January, a question of first impression in the context of prenuptial agreements came before the New York Supreme Court: Must a self-represented future spouse be provided with presumptive calculations of waived maintenance to knowingly waive that maintenance? Yes, the court held, he must. In J.M. v. G.V.,[1] Justice Jeffrey S. Sunshine of Kings County … Continued
Richard Kokel’s connection with the New York State Bar Association has come full circle. His ascension to chair of the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section marks the latest chapter since he became reengaged with the association some 15 years ago after his daughter was 7 or 8 years old. A no-fault arbitrator and a … Continued
Sharon Brown, diversity partner at Barclay Damon, will receive the New York State Bar Association’s Attorney Professionalism Award. The award recognizes her commitment to integrity, fairness and the highest ethical standards. Brown balances her demanding practice in public finance with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm. Brown revamped her firm’s summer associate program … Continued
Harvey Besunder joined the bar in December 1967, the same month the Green Bay Packers battled the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Championship later knowns as the “Ice Bowl.” “The Graduate” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” were tops at the box office and Otis Redding recorded his hit song, “Sitting on the Dock of … Continued
If you are a land use practitioner, you have likely been approached by a prospective client who insists that he or she has an absolute right to obtain a zoning variance because the facts of their application resemble those on which prior variances were granted for other properties in a different zoning district on the … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is honoring lawyers who have made an exceptional commitment to serving the public good during its 34th Annual President’s Pro Bono Service Awards on Law Day. The association honors attorneys from across the state for volunteering their time and expertise to people in need such as domestic violence survivors, parents fighting for … Continued
In an era of unprecedented access to information, navigating the digital landscape has become a critical skill for students. Media literacy – the ability to analyze, evaluate and create media content responsibly – is no longer an optional component of education but a necessity. As misinformation proliferates and social media platforms dominate communication, the need … Continued
The East Islip High School’s Mock Trial team is on fire, as their team logo shows, after beating rival Northport High School to take the crown in Region VIII. The statewide Mock Trial program and tournament is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and funded in part by a grant from The New … Continued
New York State Bar Association President Domenick Napoletano issued the following statement: “In 2015, the New York State Bar Association examined criminal discovery rules in detail, taking care to consider input from experts and practitioners – both defense attorneys and prosecutors. “Much has changed since 2015. Not the least of which was the enactment of … Continued
The U.S. Supreme Court this week did not grant certiorari – declined to hear – a controversial case questioning the constitutionality of the state of New York’s concealed carry law At issue: The Empire State’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which added new restrictions on gun use after the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in the Bruen … Continued