Stress, anxiety, depression. Many lawyers will confront one or more of these mental health issues during their professional lives. Yet what about loneliness, which can also be a serious mental health issue? Despite research suggesting lawyers are lonelier than workers in most other professions, loneliness is barely mentioned, if at all, in discussions about struggling … Continued
In June 2025, U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III faced a threatening individual wielding a knife and yelling at him on the streets of downtown Albany. Before law enforcement arrived, according to a Department of Justice press release, the perpetrator “charged at Sarcone again screaming and yelling while wielding the knife to make a slitting-the-throat … Continued
Luca Melchionna understands the value of education and collaboration through his 30-year career working in higher education and as a transactional attorney. His background is the basis of his initiatives for the upcoming 11 months where his focus will be on increasing engagement through developing cutting-edge programming. “My priority is to connect our members with … Continued
The Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services is actively recruiting lawyers in states that border the Commonwealth, like New York, to consider joining its private attorney panels. The Committee for Public Counsel Services provides legal representation in Massachusetts for those unable to afford an attorney when the law requires it. This includes children and … Continued
2026 marked the second year of the New York State Legislature’s biennial cycle, and it resulted in legislative progress in several notable NYSBA policy areas, including immigrant protections, firearm safety, court access, criminal justice, and legal services funding. Through sustained advocacy by NYSBA leadership, sections, committees, and members, the association helped secure meaningful successes in … Continued
As the modern workplace continues to evolve, many organizations are adopting bring-your-own-device policies, enabling employees to use personal smartphones, tablets and laptops for work-related activities. These policies bring with them significant legal complexities – particularly in the context of employment litigation. Personal devices often contain a wealth of potentially relevant information, including text messages, emails … Continued
Starting today, the New York State Office of Court Administration is prohibiting the use of smart glasses that contain a camera, microphone or computer in state, county, town and village courts. New York is the first state to institute such a ban. In a July 1 memorandum, the court administration said the ban ensures that … Continued
The new chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section, Loretta Gastwirth, is focusing on collaboration with other sections to broaden professional development and strengthen relationships for the section’s nearly 2,000 members. “The many section members who are arbitrators and mediators touch on so many disciplines – from employment to construction to … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association for attorneys. We are not a state entity or responsible for licensing or discipline of attorneys. Disciplinary complaints should be directed to the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee for the New York State Appellate Division. The office to contact depends upon the location … Continued
(L-R): Paul Samuels, Judge Leslie Stein, Judge Howard Levine, Hank Greenberg, Elizabeth Fine, Michael Hutton and Lorraine Silverman speak on a panel at the New York State Bar Association in Albany. In a statewide forum hosted by the New York State Bar Association, members of the Commission on Judicial Nomination made an enthusiastic plea for … Continued