Category: News Releases

NYSBA Praises Governor for Signing Law Requiring Social Media Companies To Disclose Hate Speech Moderation Policies

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul signing the Stop Hiding Hate Act (S895-B/A6789-B): “The Stop Hiding Hate Act will require social media companies to disclose what actions they are taking to put an end to the spread of hate on their … Continued

International Human Rights Experts To Discuss Justice for Sexual Violence Victims at the 2025 Presidential Summit

Wartime sexual violence and human trafficking bring tremendous anguish to victims, but laws are rarely enforced, and perpetrators are rarely punished. The New York State Bar Association will amplify efforts to support survivors and pursue justice for victims in its upcoming Presidential Summit. “Human traffickers often take their victims across borders, making it difficult to … Continued

New York State Bar Association House of Delegates Remembers Maryann Saccomando Freedman

At NYSBA’s House of Delegates meeting on Nov. 2, the members took a moment to reflect on the tremendous impact Maryann Saccomando Freedman, the first female president of the New York State Bar Association, had on the New York legal community and the bar association. President-Elect Kathleen Sweet eulogized her and introduced a nine-minute tribute … Continued

New York State Bar Association Honors Westchester Attorney for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

Jacqueline Hattar was presented with the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Vanguard Award in a virtual ceremony on Oct. 9. Hattar, a partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, advises individuals, small businesses, and property owners on tort liability, wrongful death, construction accidents and labor law matters. She has spearheaded diversity efforts at her firm including … Continued

New York State Bar Association Announces That U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Will Receive Gold Medal at Presidential Gala

The New York State Bar Association is awarding its highest honor, the Gold Medal, to retired Associate Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States, at its presidential gala on Jan. 16 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. “Justice Breyer’s loyalty is to the rule of law,” said Domenick Napoletano, … Continued

New York State Bar Association Announces That Matthew Pennello Will Lead its Government Relations Department

Matthew Pennello, who has more than a decade of experience working at the highest level of state government, has joined the New York State Bar Association as its director of government relations. “We are delighted to have someone of Matthew Pennello’s experience and stature lead our Government Relations Department,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the … Continued

New York State Bar Association Mourns the Loss of its First Female President Maryann Saccomando Freedman

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the death of the association’s first female president: “As the first female president of the association, Maryann Saccomando Freedman led by example, making it easier for women and people of color to rise to the top ranks of the New … Continued

New York State Bar Association Free Program on Sexual Violence During Oct. 7 Attack To Feature International Human Rights Expert

The New York State Bar Association is set to host a free presentation on the sexual violence perpetrated against women and children during Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, chair of the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children and recipient of the Israel Prize, will lead … Continued