Whether New Yorkers are seeking a divorce and child support, challenging a speeding ticket, resolving a business dispute or serving on a jury, they must negotiate a complex and often baffling state court system. It is so complicated that Article VI of state Constitution requires more than 16,000 words to describe it. In contrast, the … Continued

Looking for a lawyer to handle a criminal matter, child custody issue, write your will, help with a landlord-tenant problem or other legal issues? New Yorkers now have a new, convenient way to find a lawyer in their community who has the experience to handle their legal issue. The New York State Bar Association’s trusted … Continued

New York State Bar President Claire P. Gutekunst today issued the following statement: “We urge Congress to reject a bill (S.237, H.R. 720) that misleadingly is labeled the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act (LARA). “The bill’s supporters assert that it would discourage the filing of ‘frivolous lawsuits.’  In fact, by reinstating a sanctions regime that policymakers … Continued

The New York State Bar Association is proud to announce that former President Kenneth G. Standard has been honored by the American Bar Association (ABA) with its Spirit of Excellence Award for his commitment to racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. Standard received the award from ABA Commission on Racial Diversity in the … Continued

Vincent E. Doyle III of Buffalo, speaking on behalf of the New York State Bar Association, today called on the state Senate to confirm Rowan Wilson of New York City to a seat on the state Court of Appeals. “Mr. Wilson possesses strong skills that we believe will serve him well as an associate judge,” … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Claire P. Gutekunst issued the following statement today. “The New York State Bar Association has long supported judicial independence as essential to maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights. An independent judiciary, able to make rulings based upon the law, rather than under pressure from the legislative … Continued

Six section chairs of the New York State Bar Association assumed office during the Association’s Annual Meeting Jan. 23–28. They are: Michael Weiner, Antitrust Law Section Weiner is co-leader of Dechert’s Antitrust/Competition Practice Group (New York City), which provides strategic advice, resolves government investigations and effectively litigates for clients with antitrust issues Weiner has degrees … Continued

New York State Bar Association President Claire Gutekunst today said providing civil and criminal legal services for low-income New Yorkers are “high budget priorities” for the Association. “We submit that legitimate budgetary concerns should not reduce access to justice for the poor, the weak and the vulnerable,” she said in testimony submitted to the budget … Continued