Tracy Richelle High is the recipient of the 2015 Diversity Trailblazer Award, presented by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion of the New York State Bar Association. High received her award on January 26 during the State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to … Continued

Judith S. Kaye, former Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, is the 2015 recipient of the Distinction in International Law and Affairs Award, given by the New York State Bar Association’s International Section. The award recognizes those who have made a major contribution to international peace, understanding and democracy. Kaye received … Continued

The New York Bar Foundation has been selected by VCG Governance Matters as one of five finalists for the Brooke W. Mahoney Award for Outstanding Board Leadership. The Foundation competed with non-profit organizations of all sizes from the tri-state communities of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for the award. “We are delighted to have … Continued

Statement on Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility From Glenn Lau-Kee, President of the New York State Bar Association “The New York State Bar Association has long supported raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18. We look forward to studying Governor Cuomo’s proposal. “Every child accused of a nonviolent felony deserves a second chance. … Continued

The New York State Bar Association is seeking $5 million in state funding for the creation of a legal services center in Albany to enhance the availability of legal services to low income individuals. “With the state’s surplus, there is now an opportunity to make a one-time investment that could be very meaningful in terms … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee today issued the following statement: “Justice Eugene M. Fahey has distinguished himself as an appellate jurist. The New York State Bar Association, in 2012, 2013 and twice in 2014, found him to be “well qualified” to serve on the Court of Appeals. “We commend Governor Cuomo for nominating him.” … Continued

New York State Bar Association Glenn Lau-Kee  has sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo with the association’s ratings for the seven candidates under consideration for associate judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. The Governor must designate his choice between January 1 and January 15, 2015. The nominee then must be confirmed … Continued

“The proposed Judiciary budget enhances public access to New York’s court system,” New York State Bar Association President Glenn Lau-Kee said today. The Judiciary submitted its spending plan for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2015 to the Legislature and Governor Cuomo on December 1. If approved, the budget would: • Provide $70 million—including an … Continued

“I am pleased that Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman is creating a committee to study possible changes to the way New York tests candidates for admission to bar. “By extending the public comment period until March 1, he provides an opportunity to examine the many issues raised by possible adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). … Continued

Lawyers in Japan, Brazil, Germany and elsewhere, when drafting contracts involving complex commercial transactions, often stipulate that the contracts will be governed by New York State law. A new book, New York Contract Law: A Guide for Non-New York Attorneys will help international lawyers—and practitioners in the United States who are not located in New … Continued