Category: News Releases

August 29, 2016: Fund To Help Louisianans with Flood-Related Legal Needs, Announced By NYS Bar Association and Its Foundation

The New York State Bar Association and The New York Bar Foundation are seeking donations to provide legal services for residents of flood-ravaged Louisiana, which the American Red Cross has called “the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago.” The two organizations set up similar disaster-relief efforts to … Continued

June 24, 2016: Governor Cuomo Should Establish Commission on Constitution to Prepare for 2017 Vote, Says New York State Bar Association

In a letter today to Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York State Bar Association President Claire P. Gutekunst urged him to issue an executive order establishing a preparatory commission in advance of a constitutionally-mandated statewide referendum in 2017 on whether to hold a constitutional convention in 2019. “Time is short, but it is not too late,” … Continued

June 23, 2016: U.S. Supreme Court Decides Fisher v. University of Texas: Statement by New York State Bar Association President

Claire P. Gutekunst, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about today’s U. S. Supreme Court’s decision in Abigail Noel Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, et al. “We are pleased the Supreme Court has upheld its 2003 decision in Grutter v. Bollinger that racial diversity in higher education … Continued

June 20, 2016: New York City Attorney Richard J. Davis Receives State Bar’s Root/Stimson Award

ALBANY—Richard J. Davis of New York City was honored with the New York State Bar Association’s Root/Stimson Award, presented by State Bar President Claire P. Gutekunst on June 18 at the Association’s House of Delegates meeting in Cooperstown. The award, given by the Committee on Annual Award, honors an attorney for exemplary community service. “Richard … Continued

June 17, 2016: NYS Bar Association President Gutekunst Commends Indigent Criminal Defense Services Bill

New York State Bar Association President Claire Gutekunst issued the following statement about full statewide funding and oversight of indigent criminal defense services, a State Bar legislative priority for 2016. “We are thankful for the unwavering bipartisan leadership of Senator John DeFrancisco and Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy to make the statewide funding and oversight of indigent … Continued

June 9, 2016: Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law: Statement by New York State Bar Association President Gutekunst

New York State Bar Association President Claire P. Gutekunst issued the following statement today. “The New York State Bar Association has consistently advocated for a highly qualified, independent and diverse judiciary. Judicial independence is essential to maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights. “While it is fair to criticize judicial rulings on the merits, … Continued

May 5, 2016: NYS Bar Association Urges Legislature and Governor to Fund Indigent Criminal Defense Services

Overhauling New York’s criminal defense system for the poor should be a top priority for state lawmakers and Governor Andrew Cuomo during the current legislative session, New York  State Bar Association President David P. Miranda said today. “Criminal justice reform in New York must begin with ensuring that everyone accused of a crime, regardless of … Continued