There is “no reason to modify the forever wild clause” of the New York  State Constitution—which protects the state-owned Forest Preserve in the Adirondacks and the Catskills—concludes a report released today by the New York State Bar Association. After examining the historical record, the report concludes that fears—such as those that some groups expressed in … Continued

Eight New York City-area lawyers have been honored by the New York State Bar Association for their efforts in providing free legal services to indigent clients. As part of National Pro Bono Week, the lawyers received their awards at the New York City Civil Court at an Oct. 27 event at which the New York … Continued

A new website, sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, allows New Yorkers—who cannot afford a lawyer—to post legal questions online and have them answered by lawyers at no cost. “Free Legal Answers is an online version of a walk-in clinic, where low-income people with simple legal questions can … Continued

The New York State Bar Association mourns the death of Kenneth P. Thompson, who served as Brooklyn district attorney for nearly three years. “We are saddened by the passing of Kenneth Thompson, who reminded New Yorkers that the primary duty of the criminal justice system is not to convict, but to do justice,” said Association … Continued

Claire P. Gutekunst, president of the New York State Bar Association, has issued the following statement: “One of the most important and enduring principles in the U.S. Constitution is the right of every defendant facing criminal charges to have the assistance of counsel to present an effective defense. It is the duty and responsibility of … Continued

More than 550 attorneys and paralegals from across New York meet in Albany this week to discuss how best to assist low-income individuals with a wide range of legal issues, including immigration, foreclosure, domestic violence, government benefits and housing. The New York State Bar Association’s 2016 Legal Assistance Partnership Conference, titled “Justice Rising,” begins Wednesday … Continued

The New York State Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York today announced a joint initiative to enhance access to legal services by victims of domestic violence. Women and men who leave abusive relationships frequently have limited resources. Many desperately need legal assistance in seeking orders of protection against … Continued

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

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

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