Category: News Releases

New York State Bar Association Honors Attorneys for Pro Bono Work and Efforts To Diversify the Legal Profession

The New York State Bar Association honored three outstanding attorneys for their efforts to diversify the legal profession and provide legal services to those who cannot afford it. The ceremony was part of the Constance Baker Motley Symposium on Jan. 17, which is part of the association’s Annual Meeting. “These three distinguished lawyers are among … Continued

Hundreds of Experts to Examine Wide-Ranging Issues Facing Legal Profession at New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting

The New York State Bar Association’s 147th Annual Meeting, which will be held from Jan. 16 to 20 at the Hilton Midtown in New York City, promises to be a dynamic and informative event. Experts in a multitude of fields will gather to tackle the biggest challenges facing the legal profession – including artificial intelligence, … Continued

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to Receive New York State Bar Association’s Highest Honor

Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will receive the New York State Bar Association’s Gold Medal Award, its highest honor, at the association’s black-tie Presidential Gala Jan. 18 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. “Jeh has been a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Richard Lewis, president of the … Continued

New York State Bar Association is Disappointed That Out-Of-State Lawyers Are Still Beholden to Century-Old Office Requirement

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s veto of a bill that would have repealed Judiciary Law Section 470: “We are both dismayed and confused by the governor’s veto of the repeal of a law that requires out-of-state attorneys to have in-state offices. Remote … Continued

Capital District Lawyers Helping Lawyers Group Honors Attorney With Ray of Hope Award

David Keehn, an attorney with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, received the Ray of Hope Award in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to lawyer well-being. Keehn is a past co-chair of Capital District Lawyers Helping Lawyers, one of 13 New York State Bar Association peer-led support groups that offer confidential assistance … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Decries Rise in Antisemitic Incidents, Thanks Governor for Combating Hate Crimes

Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fight against antisemitism: “We applaud Gov. Hochul’s powerful and eloquent words yesterday at the American Jewish Committee’s Board of Governors meeting. Pointing to a 217 percent increase in antisemitic incidents — including messages threatening violence at Cornell … Continued

NYSBA Recommends Expanding Broadband, Providing Digital Literacy Training, and Increasing Access to Electronic Devices

The New York State Bar Association is recommending increased broadband service, digital literacy training and wider access to electronic devices to ensure that all New Yorkers can take part in virtual court proceedings. The recommendations were included in a report by the Task Force on the Post-Pandemic Future of the Profession, which the association’s governing … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Calls Removal of Notary Requirement in Civil Cases a Big Step Forward for Access to Justice

A new law allowing litigants in a civil case to file affidavits and other sworn documents without getting them notarized will eliminate unnecessary delays and needless costs in civil lawsuits. “This law is a big step forward for access to justice,” said Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The notarization requirement … Continued