After Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization made abortion unavailable in many states, an increasing number of patients have turned to the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol for medication abortions. But mifepristone is facing a challenge to its long-standing Food and Drug Administration approval. At a virtual webinar sponsored by the Women in Law Section, panelists … Continued
The legal system needs to move away from its role as the primary treatment for people with mental illness, the New York State Bar Association recommends in a report. In the report, the Task Force on Mental Health and Trauma Informed Representation detailed the many ways that people in crisis end up entangled in the … Continued
The New York State Bar Association is recommending that the state’s town and village courts be consolidated into district courts and that non-lawyers no longer be allowed to serve as judges. “It is necessary for our legal system to be constantly re-evaluated,” said Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association. “We need … Continued
Dear Colleagues: It is so wonderful to be in this beautiful village on Lake Otsego in Cooperstown, about eighty miles north of Binghamton where I was born and raised and have spent most of my life. This rural setting resonates with me. Standing here before you as your one-hundred and twenty-sixth president is the highest … Continued
Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the passage today of Clean Slate legislation: “The New York State Bar Association has been working with legislators to make it easier for former offenders to lead full, productive lives after they have paid their debts to society. The Clean … Continued
As the legal profession emerges from the pandemic, Binghamton attorney Richard C. Lewis is launching his ambitious agenda to reshape the New York State Bar Association to better assist lawyers and improve the lives of struggling New Yorkers.Lewis, who has been the association’s president-elect for the past year, officially takes over the top spot today … Continued
The state Assembly voted on June 7 to repeal Judiciary Law Section 470, which requires lawyers admitted to practice in New York – but residing in other states – to have a law office in the state. The state Senate has already approved the bill, which now goes to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature. … Continued
At the urging of the New York State Bar Association, the state Legislature passed a bill lifting the burdensome requirement to have sworn documents notarized in a civil court case, bringing New York in conformance with federal requirements. If the bill is signed into law, it would reduce costs for New Yorkers and make it … Continued
Working long, solitary hours is often viewed as part and parcel of being in the legal profession. However, professionals are increasingly reporting high rates of exhaustion and burnout. Increasing productivity and efficiency in how you spend your time as a legal professional is important for several reasons, including cost savings, creating a competitive advantage, increased job … Continued
The New York State Bar Association honored former Kings County Supreme Court Justice Sarah “Sallie” Krauss and William “Bill” Keenan for their commitment to the association’s Lawyer Assistance Program, which supports lawyers and legal staff dealing with mental illness and substance use issues. “Justice Sarah Krauss and William Keenan both embody the principles of the … Continued