New York State Bar Association Is a Tireless Advocate for the Rule of Law
2.4.2026
The New York State Bar Association advocates for state and federal legislation and works tirelessly to promote equal access to justice for all. As part of that mission, the association addresses current events and issues that impact the legal profession and the rule of law.
In the last year, President Kathleen Sweet and the association published 32 articles and statements on issues including the eroding of the U.S. Constitution, escalation of threats and violence against the judiciary, the defunding of the Legal Services Corporation, student loan forgiveness, immigration, and health law.
Feb. 3, 2026
“The New York State Bar Association commends Governor Hochul’s Sensitive Locations Protection Act, which safeguards New Yorkers’ constitutional rights from federal overreach. By ensuring that sensitive locations – including schools — are protected from warrantless civil immigration enforcement and establishing a state right of action for constitutional violations, we move closer to a society governed by the rule of law,” Sweet said.
Jan. 21, 2026
The New York State Bar Association calls on the Trump Administration to ensure that public sector lawyers — who represent crime victims, children, and other clients — can benefit from the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Jan. 16, 2026
President’s Report to the House of Delegates: Renewing Acquaintances and Reflecting on our History
“I will continue to note and challenge the executive branch’s disdain for rule of law when it suits the President’s agenda and its cynical invocation of the Rule of Law when convenient, such as when a “law enforcement purpose” is the pretext to depose a foreign leader with military force so that the U.S. can take the oil or run the country,” Sweet said.
Jan. 15, 2026
“We know the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion are under attack. These four attorneys are courageously doing the work to create new opportunities for all people in our profession. The New York State Bar Association will continue to support and defend the value of diversity in all that we do,” Sweet said.
Jan. 15, 2026
Speakers at Presidential Summit Discuss Erosion of Democratic Norms
The overwhelming consensus at the presidential summit was that democratic norms are being eroded and the rule of law is under threat. The topic was constitutional failure, what it means for the legal profession, and what citizens can do.
Jan. 9, 2026
The White House proposed eliminating the Legal Services Corporation, jeopardizing essential legal protections for children, families, veterans, and seniors. The restoration of funding for the Legal Services Corporation is one of the New York State Bar Association’s legislative priorities.
Dec. 4, 2025
Constitutional Experts To Discuss the State of the Constitution at NYSBA Summit
“As lawyers we have a responsibility to sound the alarm when the rule of law is under attack. Our esteemed panelists and moderator will review recent events and guide a discussion on how to strengthen and protect our democracy,” Sweet said.
Nov. 10, 2025
New York State Bar Association Denounces Attack on the Judiciary and Bar Associations
“The New York State Bar Association will always stand up for the rule of law and for the judiciary. We stand with our fellow bar associations, including the D.C. Bar. Any lawyer who abandons their oath to the Constitution and who intentionally misrepresents facts or law in court is properly subject to discipline, even if they work for the Department of Justice,” Sweet said.
Oct. 30, 2025
Podcast: Unvetted, Unconfirmed U.S. Attorneys Shift Too Much Power to the President
Sweet speaks at length in this Miranda Warnings podcast about the dangers of having United States Attorneys who are not vetted and confirmed by the U.S. Senate or federal judiciary.
Oct. 21, 2025
“The inability of our courts to operate fully and provide justice on a daily basis is a grave concern to the New York State Bar Association. We call on Congress to end the shutdown,” Sweet said.
“As members of the legal community, we share responsibility to help the public evaluate information, pursue and amplify the truth, think critically, and participate meaningfully in our democracy,” Sweet said.
Expansion of Civic Readiness Program Needed in New York’s Schools
New high school civics programs are showing promise but must be expanded.
Oct. 14, 2025
New York State Bar Association To Host Convocation on Media Literacy in a Digital World
Under Sweet’s leadership, NYSBA is convening a convocation on “Media Literacy in a Digital World” to explore strategies for countering misinformation.
Oct. 9, 2025
Unvetted, Unconfirmed US Attorneys Shift Too Much Power to Trump
Sweet argues that bypassing Senate confirmation to install U.S. attorneys concentrates prosecutorial power in the executive branch and undermines constitutional checks and balances.
Sept. 30, 2025
Lawyers and law students are concerned about a recent executive order that threatens student loan forgiveness for some public service lawyers.
Sept. 23, 2025
President Kathleen Sweet Joins Panel on Needs of New York’s Civil Legal Service Providers
Sweet participates in a hearing with state judicial leaders and service providers to address funding shortfalls, staffing challenges, and the growing access-to-justice gap in New York’s civil legal aid system.
Sept. 22, 2025
Judge Barry Kamins chronicles the crafting of the rule of law and its challenges from the Federalist papers to the Dobbs decision.
Aug. 27, 2025
Another Voice: Medical Aid in Dying Has Been Extensively Reviewed
Sweet explains how New York’s proposed Medical Aid in Dying law has undergone rigorous legal, ethical, and empirical review.
Aug. 13, 2025
The ABA House of Delegates approved a resolution— backed by NYSBA — calling for laws that require gun owners to promptly report missing firearms under threat of civil or criminal penalties.
June 30, 2025
Queens Rep. Grace Meng Speaks in Support of Civil Legal Services Funding
With the assistance of Sweet, Rep. Meng publicly opposed deep cuts to the Legal Services Corporation, warning that slashing its budget would deprive vulnerable New Yorkers of critical legal aid.
June 30, 2025
The New York State Bar Association opposed a U.S. Senate proposal that would have conditioned broadband funding on banning state regulation of artificial intelligence.
June 27, 2025
New York State Bar Association Supports Birthright Citizenship
Sweet affirms that every child born in the U.S. — including to undocumented immigrants — is constitutionally entitled to citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
June 26, 2025
Letter from the NYSBA President Sweet
This letter to New York’s senators focused on AI and broadband.
June 24, 2025
Attorney Grievances: The Fight for Confidentiality – New York State Bar Association
NYSBA has argued that attorney grievance investigations should be confidential.
June 18, 2025
Experts at this webinar discussed how to prepare for stepped up immigration enforcement.
June 9, 2025
New York State Bar Association Decries Proposed Elimination of Legal Services Corporation
“This drastic measure threatens to deprive millions of Americans of their fundamental right to legal representation.”
Mar. 24, 2025
NYBA President Calls Latest White House Directive an Assault on the Legal Profession
“The call for impeachment of any judge who rules against the federal administration violates the principle of an impartial and independent judiciary that is the foundation of our American democracy.”
Mar. 12, 2025
New York State Bar Association Decries Threats on Judges
“All Americans whatever their political persuasion should speak out against threats to judges. For democracy to work, we want all judges to be free to decide cases and issue rulings without fear for their safety or that of their families. They cannot defend themselves, but we can, and we must.”
Mar. 10, 2025
“The Executive Orders attacking lawyers and law firms for doing their jobs – which include representing any cause the president doesn’t like — threaten to upend a bedrock principle of the American legal system.”
Mar. 6, 2025
New York State Bar Association To Examine Hot-Button Issues of Challenges to the Rule of Law
“The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy,” said Domenick Napoletano, then president of the New York State Bar Association. “Without it, our society would devolve into chaos and violence. As legal professionals, we have sworn to uphold the values of the rule of law.”
Feb. 18, 2025
New York State Bar Association Issues Statement on Equal Access to Justice
“The New York State Bar Association will continue to advocate for ensuring equal access to justice for all persons, especially those in need.”
Jan. 24, 2025
“The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is unequivocal. It grants citizenship to every baby born in the United States with limited exceptions. Ignoring decades of court precedent, President Donald Trump on his first day in office issued an executive order denying citizenship to the 150,000 babies born each year to undocumented immigrants.”
Copy Direct Link
Source
Copy Link
