Category: Latest News

New York State Bar Association 2024 Legislative Priorities

Building on the momentum of the New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department successes in 2023, the Association will begin this month advocating for key legislative initiatives in both the state and national capitals for 2024. After consultation with the sections, committees and task forces, NYSBA’s legislative policy committee works with the government relations … Continued

Taking a Closer Look: Assessing Biometric Authentication

In health care settings, biometric authentication is often used to streamline the patient registration process by minimizing paperwork and improving patient intake to ensure secure, precise health care service delivery.[1] Notably, Elmhurst Hospital, the Mount Sinai Health System, New York University Langone Health and other hospitals in New York have integrated biometric authentication technologies into … Continued

Will a Life Estate Deed Protect My Home From Medicaid?

A popular Medicaid planning strategy in the past has been transferring a home to children, while reserving a “life estate” interest on the deed. The grantor-owner would be the “life estate holder” and the children would be the “remaindermen,” becoming the outright owners upon the death of the grantor. The value of the retained life … Continued

The New York State Bar Association’s 2023 Government Relations Legislative Update

The New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations Department had its most productive legislative session in years during 2023. Significant NYSBA priorities were signed into law, including a major increase in hourly rates for attorneys in 18b/assigned counsel cases, the Clean Slate Act, amendments to Notary Requirements, and the formation of a commission to study … Continued

New York’s New Approach to Noncompete Agreements

Governor Hochul has vetoed a proposed law banning noncompete agreements, legislation that had the potential to disrupt years of labor law practice in New York.[1] The law would have covered all individuals – i.e., individuals performing work or services for an organization who are in a position of economic dependence on that organization – and … Continued

LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers Face Extra Challenges

LGBTQ+ asylum seekers have a rough road to travel. Aside from the in-depth requirements that face anyone applying for asylum, government policies, red tape and changing administrations can leave would-be asylees in a holding pattern for years. A recent Continuing Legal Education course, hosted by the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ Law Section, delved … Continued