The state Legislature, which put money in the budget for 20 additional Family Court judges, must now pass a second bill “without delay” so that the judges can began hearing cases in January, New York State Bar President David M. Schraver said today. In an April 24 letter, Schraver of Rochester (Nixon, Peabody) thanked members … Continued

The New York State Bar Association today extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Angelo T. Cometa, who served as its president between 1990 and 1991. He passed away April 16, near Baltimore. “Angelo Cometa made an indelible impact on the legal profession and public during his years of bar leadership. He helped … Continued

Manhattan attorney Kay Crawford Murray has been honored with the 2014 Honorable George Bundy Smith Pioneer Award, given by the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association. Murray is the former general counsel to the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice. She was recognized for her commitment to legal … Continued

The New York State Bar Association today extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Lawrence E. Walsh, an influential attorney, judge and adviser who died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at the age of 102. Mr. Walsh – perhaps best recognized as independent counsel to the Iran-Contra investigation from 1986-1993 – was a leader … Continued

As the state budget deadline approaches, the New York State Bar Association urges lawmakers to consider how the lives of thousands of children are affected by a shortage of Family Court judges, who hear cases about child abuse, adoption, foster care, paternity, financial support and custody. “Sadly, children’s lives are put on hold while too … Continued

Forest Hills High School in Queens is the statewide champion of the “We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution” competition, the national academic contest on the U.S. Constitution. This is the second year in a row Forest Hills High School won the competition. The team will represent New York in the national finals to … Continued

John Knight of Columbia Law School and Maxwell Meadows of Fordham University School of Law are the 2014 recipients of the Antitrust Section Law Student Fellowships, The New York Bar Foundation has announced. Knight and Maxwell will each receive $6,000 to work this summer in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David M. Schraver of Rochester (Nixon Peabody) issued the following statement today on the passing of Hon. Stewart F. Hancock, Jr., who died Tuesday at his home in Cazenovia. He was 91. “As a jurist on New York’s highest court, Judge Hancock was recognized for his astute intellect, wisdom … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David M. Schraver today urged state lawmakers to approve the proposed Judiciary budget to help alleviate logjams now faced by New Yorkers seeking their “day in court.” “The Judiciary’s budget request reflects a balancing between constitutional duty to ensure access to justice for all New Yorkers and the obligation … Continued

Justin L. Vigdor of Rochester has been honored with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, given by The New York Bar Foundation. Vigdor received the award during the Fellows Annual Dinner Meeting on January 31 in New York City. The award honors former officers or directors of the Foundation who served a minimum of 10 years … Continued