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

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

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

The New York State Bar Association joins the nation in mourning the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting early Sunday morning. “We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and the families affected by this terrible tragedy. We deplore this attack, which appears to have singled out a particular group of Americans. But no act … Continued

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

Claire P. Gutekunst of Yonkers assumes office today, June 1, as the 119th president of the New York State Bar Association. Gutekunst, an independent mediator and arbitrator, is the sixth woman to serve as president of the 74,000-member Association.  She succeeds David P. Miranda of Albany (Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti). “The New York State … Continued

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