Local and State Government Law Section Spring Forum 2026

Join the Local and State Government Law Section in Albany on May 8 for our annual Spring Forum. 

AGENDA

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Registration

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | CLE Panels

• Legislative Update
  • Representatives from New York’s municipal associations will provide a brief summary of the New York Legislature’s 2025 session. The panelists will then highlight components of the recently enacted 2026-27 State budget that are relevant to the LSGL section. Standalone legislation that has been enacted so far in 2026 will be covered before turning to legislation that is expected to be enacted or at least debated in the final weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session. 

     

    Presenters:

    Wade Beltramo, Counsel, New York Counsel of Mayors

    Sarah Brancatella, Deputy Director, Association of Towns

    Patrick Cummings, Counsel, New York State Association of Counties

     

    1:00–2:15 – 1.5 MCLE Credits in Area of Professional Practice

• Immigration Enforcement and Local Government Authority
  • Recent events across the country have drawn attention to the respective roles of the federal government and local and state governments when it comes to immigration enforcement.  This moderated panel will discuss these roles in the particular context of three legislative proposals currently pending that address sensitive locations, intergovernmental cooperation, and converse-1983 actions.

    Moderator:    Michael Kenneally, Esq.

    Speakers:     Prof. Sarah Rogerson, Esq., Albany Law School

                Michelle Osterlich, Esq. 

    2:20 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. – 1.0 MCLE Credits in Area of Professional Practice

• Artificial Intelligence and the Ethical Implications for Attorneys
  • This presentation will provide New York attorneys with a practical overview of how artificial intelligence is changing legal practice and the ethical obligations that accompany its use. The presentation will cover the growing role of AI in legal research, drafting, and client service. The program will focus on the application of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant guidance from the American Bar Association and Guidance from other attorney oversight bodies, and it will explore best practices for responsible and ethical use of AI technologies. 

     

    Presenter:

    Patricia Salkin, JD, PhD

    Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost, Graduate and Professional Divisions

    Touro University

     

    3:10–4:00 pm – 1 MCLE credit in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection – Ethics

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Reception

HOTEL AND PARKING INFORMATION

Hotel Accommodations

The following hotels are within walking distance of the Bar Center. If you require overnight accommodations, please contact these

suggested hotels for rates and availability.

Renaissance Albany Hotel | 144 State Street, Albany, NY | (518) 992-2500 

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown | 25 Chapel Street, Albany, NY | (518) 432-7000

Hilton Albany | 40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY | (518) 462-6611 

Directions to the State Bar Center:

FROM THE SOUTH:

NYS Thruway to Exit 23,

I-787 North.

Exit at Route 20 West.

Take a: Right on Broadway.

Left on State St.

Right on Eagle St.

Left on Elk St.

FROM THE NORTH:

Adirondack Northway (I-87

South) to Exit 1.

Take I-90 East to I-787 South.

Exit Clinton Ave. (Route 9).

Take a: Left on So. Pearl St.

Right on State St.

Right on Eagle St.

Left on Elk St.

FROM THE EAST:

I-90 West to I-787 South.

Exit Clinton Avenue (Route 9)

Take a: Left on So. Pearl St.

Right on State St.

Right on Eagle St.

Left on Elk St.

FROM THE WEST:

NYS Thruway to Exit 24.

I-90 East to I-787 South.

Exit Clinton Avenue (Route 9).

Take a: Left on So. Pearl St.

Right on State St.

Right on Eagle St.

Left on Elk St.

PARKING

There is metered parking in front of the Bar Center for $0.25 per 12 minutes. Credit cards are accepted. If you are going to be at the Bar

Center for an extended period, you may also wish to park at the Hilton Albany, located on Lodge Street off of State Street. Parking at the

Hilton is $20.00 per day. If you park at the Hilton, walk up Pine Street, take a right on Eagle Street, and continue until you reach Elk Street.

Cross the street and you will see the State Bar Center in front of you.

For more information, call NYSBA (518) 463-3200.