Testifying at an Assembly hearing on criminal justice reform, New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee today focused on three measures that would enhance public confidence in New York’s justice system. “When we consider justice, we must consider effective law enforcement that protects the public and, at the same time, ensures fairness to every … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee today called on the Legislature to approve the Office of Indigent Legal Services’ request for $20 million to address heavy caseloads and services in counties not affected by the Hurrell-Harring settlement. He also lent Association support to the agency’s request for $8 million to provide counsel to … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee today commended Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman for offering thoughtful proposals in his annual State of the Judiciary address. “Chief Judge Lippman has outlined a number of promising innovations to expand access to justice for all New Yorkers,” said Lau-Kee of New York City (Kee & Lau-Kee). Indigent … Continued

“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the victims of this horrific event as well as to their families and friends,” New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee said today. “The State Bar’s Committee on Mass Disaster Response is ready to assist as required by this incident,” he added. “It is important for … Continued

The New York County Lawyers’ Association and the New Rochelle Bar Association have been honored with the New York State Conference of Bar Leaders Innovation Awards for their outstanding public service. The awards recognize how bar associations adapt to the needs of their members and the community at large by introducing innovative programs, ideas and … Continued

The New York State Bar Association has honored two judges for their dedication to judicial excellence on the bench. The awards were presented January 30 in New York City during the Judicial Section luncheon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin, former presiding justice of the First Department, is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Jurist Award. The award … Continued

Joan S. Kohout, a family court judge in Rochester since 1988, is the 2015 recipient of the Ruth G. Schapiro Award, given by the Committee on Women in the Law of the New York State Bar Association. Kohout received the award on January 30 during the State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. … Continued

Bruce J. Prager has been honored with the William T. Lifland Service Award, presented by the New York State Bar Association’s Antitrust Section. Prager received the award during the Bar Association’s annual meeting in New York City January 29. The award is presented to antitrust practitioners in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments in the … Continued

The New York State Bar Association has recognized three judges, four attorneys, a police chief and a nun for their outstanding contributions to the criminal justice community in 2014. Five of the award winners were honored by the Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section January 29 during the Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. … Continued

Albany attorney Michelle L. Haskin is the 2015 recipient of the Attorney Professionalism Award, presented by the Committee on Attorney Professionalism of the New York State Bar Association. The award recognizes a member who displays the highest standards of professionalism, commitment to promoting respect for the legal system, outstanding ethical conduct, competence, good judgment, integrity … Continued