Overhauling New York’s criminal defense system for the poor should be a top priority for state lawmakers and Governor Andrew Cuomo during the current legislative session, New York  State Bar Association President David P. Miranda said today. “Criminal justice reform in New York must begin with ensuring that everyone accused of a crime, regardless of … Continued

Kathleen R. DeCataldo and James J. LeCain have been honored with 2016 Howard A. Levine Awards for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare, given by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Children and the Law. The awards, presented on May 4 at the State Bar Center in Albany, recognize the vital services … Continued

Sixteen recipients were honored with 2016 President’s Pro Bono Service Awards May 2 in Albany. President David P. Miranda of Albany and President-elect Claire P. Gutekunst of Yonkers, co-chair of the President’s Committee on Access to Justice, recognized the award recipients during a luncheon at the State Bar Center on May 2. “These honorees’ efforts … Continued

The New York State Bar Association, seeking to enhance its working relationship with more than 200 local, diversity and specialty bars within the state, has created the Committee for Bar Leaders of New York State. The new committee replaces the New York State Conference of Bar Leaders, created in 1979 to address the common needs … Continued

New York State Bar Association President David P. Miranda has formed an internal working group to review a federal court decision today that upheld a New York state law that requires nonresident attorneys to maintain offices within the state. In Schoenefeld v. State of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit … Continued

Zachary W. Carter, New York City’s corporation counsel, has been recognized with the 2016 Honorable George Bundy Smith Pioneer Award, given by the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association. Carter, who oversees New York City’s 700-attorney law department, was honored for his commitment to legal excellence and increasing diversity … Continued

The public can learn about the importance of signing advance directives about future health care and legal matters at “Your Decisions Matter” programs in various locations across the state between April and August. The free programs are sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. Volunteer attorneys will explain topics that include: why you need … Continued