Zachary W. Carter, New York City’s corporation counsel, has been recognized with the 2016 Honorable George Bundy Smith Pioneer Award, given by the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association. Carter, who oversees New York City’s 700-attorney law department, was honored for his commitment to legal excellence and increasing diversity … Continued

The public can learn about the importance of signing advance directives about future health care and legal matters at “Your Decisions Matter” programs in various locations across the state between April and August. The free programs are sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. Volunteer attorneys will explain topics that include: why you need … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda, saying “time is short,” has asked Governor Andrew Cuomo to issue an executive order to create a commission to prepare for the 2017 voter referendum on whether to authorize a constitutional convention. In an April 8 letter, Miranda noted that, although Cuomo had proposed a preparatory commission … Continued

The New York State Bar Association today extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Robert MacCrate, who served as its president from 1972–1973 and president of the American Bar Association from 1987–1988. MacCrate died April 6. He was 94. “Robert MacCrate was a national force urging his colleagues in the legal profession to … Continued

The Home Rule provision of the state Constitution “is a subject ripe for consideration and debate,” concludes the New York State Bar Association in a report that describes how the autonomy of local governments has been eroded by state laws and court decisions. Constitutional Home Rule, in theory, grants local governments the authority to decide … Continued

The Adirondack Women’s Bar Association (AWBA) will be honored today with the State Bar’s 2016 Angelo T. Cometa Award for its pro bono work aiding domestic violence survivors. The AWBA, a chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, launched a free monthly legal clinic in 2010 that, since its inception, … Continued

New York City financial services attorney C. Evan Stewart has been honored with the 2016 Sanford D. Levy Award by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Professional Ethics. Named for Sanford D. Levy, a former member of the Committee on Professional Ethics, the award was presented March 16 in Manhattan. Since 1982, it … Continued

Senate and Assembly Budget Proposals Call for State Funding and Oversight   The New York State Bar Association is urging Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and state legislators to work together to move the state toward “its constitutional obligation” to provide effective legal representation in all 62 counties to low-income individuals who are accused of crimes. … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda today commended the Senate and Assembly for including language in their one-house budget proposals that recognize the State of New York, not county governments, should bear the cost of providing constitutionally-mandated legal representation of low-income individuals who are accused of crimes. “The Senate and Assembly bills … Continued

The New York State Bar Association urges the state Legislature to enact measures within budget bills that would modernize the voter registration process and allow voters to cast ballots prior to the traditional Election Day. March 31 is the deadline for passage of the 2016-17 state budget. “Measures to remove barriers to registration and voting … Continued