Category: News Releases

July 31, 2015: New York State Bar Honored by American Bar for Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession

The New York State Bar Association has been selected as the winner of a 2015 American Bar Association Partnership Award for promoting diversity in the legal profession. The State Bar’s Youth Law Day program, sponsored by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, was recognized on Friday, July 31 in Chicago during a joint luncheon of … Continued

July 30, 2015: Ethics Committee of New York State Bar Association Reviewing Opinion on Criminal Defense Waivers

The New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Professional Ethics has agreed to reconsider one of its advisory opinions at the request of criminal defense attorneys. Opinion 1048 concludes that there is no per se prohibition against a defense lawyer advising a criminal defendant about a proposed plea agreement that includes a client waiving his or … Continued

July 24, 2015: New York State Bar Association President Miranda Forms Committee to Study NYS Constitution

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda has created a committee to examine the state Constitution. Voters in New York in 2017 will decide whether to have a constitutional convention to review the state’s governing documents. “Although a referendum is more than two years away, the State Bar Association wants to be prepared … Continued

June 26, 2015: Updated Social Media Guidelines for Attorneys Issued by NYS Bar’s Commercial and Federal Litigation Section

Social media networks, increasingly indispensable tools for attorneys, also pose thorny ethical questions, such as: Can an attorney accept “endorsements” on LinkedIn? Can an attorney access private Facebook pages of potential jurors? Does an attorney create an attorney-client relationship with a stranger by answering legal questions on the Internet? To guide attorneys in dealing with … Continued

June 26, 2015: New York State Bar Association President Miranda Praises Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage

ALBANY, NY–New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court for striking down state laws that prohibit same-sex couples from marrying. In a 5-4 ruling, the court held that states cannot ban same-sex marriages and they must recognize same–sex marriages performed in other states. “We are pleased the court … Continued

June 22, 2015: New York City Attorney Jeffrey A. Moerdler Receives State Bar’s Root/Stimson Award

ALBANY—Jeffrey A. Moerdler, an attorney based in New York City, was honored with the New York State Bar Association’s Root/Stimson Award, presented by State Bar President David P. Miranda on June 20 at the Association’s House of Delegates meeting in Cooperstown. The award, given by the Committee on Annual Award, honors an attorney for exemplary … Continued

June 22, 2015: Former Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye Administers Oath to New York State Bar Association President David Miranda

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda, who was formally inaugurated on Saturday during a meeting of the Association’s House of Delegates in Cooperstown, called on the state government and the legal community to do more to close “the justice gap.” Moments after former New York State Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye administered … Continued

June 17, 2015: New York State Bar Praises Senate on Wrongful Conviction Bill, Calls on Assembly to Act

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda today applauded the state Senate for passing an historic wrongful conviction bill, and urged the Assembly to do the same before leaving Albany this week. “Wrongful convictions take a tremendous toll on our society,” Miranda said. “Innocent people lose their liberty. Our communities are less safe … Continued

June 12, 2015: State Bar Association Announces Denison Ray Criminal Defender Award and Excellence Awards

For their dedication in helping low-income New Yorkers gain access to quality legal services, an assistant public defender, an attorney and two organizations have been honored with awards  by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee to Ensure Mandated Representation. “Each of the award recipients has made a positive impact on the lives of the … Continued