New York City Bar Association Podcast (New York City Bar Association)

Richard Liskov of the City Bar’s Insurance Law Committee speaks with the Vice President of the APCIA (American Property Casualty Insurance Association).

Hanson Horn and Gary Casimir of the Cook Group speak with Jordan Rutsky of Merson Law.

Sherry Ramsey, a member of the City Bar’s Animal Law Committee, speaks with John Thompson, Vice President of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association and former Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the National Sheriffs Association.

Clint Hannah and Stephanie Krasnov of the City Bar’s Entertainment Law Committee speak with Professor Deborah Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina School of Law and Amy Lehman of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Christina Lewicky, a member of the City Bar’s Litigation Committee, speaks with Robert Leinwand, Vice President and Chief Litigation Counsel at Nike, and Scott Wilson, a Partner at DLA Piper.

John S. Pruitt, a member of the City Bar’s Insurance Law Committee and a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, speaks with Susan K. Neely, President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers, about what insurers are doing to offer life insurance and retirement security in traditionally underserved communities, and the challenges insurers and agents face in doing so.

A Pathway Out of Mass Incarceration and Toward a New Criminal Justice System: The City Bar Report by New York City Bar Association

Michele Natal, Co-Chair of the City Bar’s Recruitment & Retention of Lawyers Committee and an attorney at Mayer Brown, speaks with Muhammad Faridi, her Committee Co-Chair and a Partner at Patterson Belknap, and James A. Lewis, V, Executive Director of the City Bar’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, about how the Diversity Fellows program has helped them and others make their way in the legal profession.

City Bar Senior Policy Counsel Maria Cilenti, Director of Advocacy Elizabeth Kocienda, and Policy Counsel Mary Margulis-Ohnuma discuss how they work with the Association’s 150-plus committees to take and advocate positions on a wide range of local, national and international issues; how they’ve adapted their work during the pandemic; and some of the issues addressed in recent months. This podcast was recorded in July 2021.

Thomas Slome, a Bankruptcy Partner at Cullen and Dykman and the Treasurer of the New York City Bar Association, is joined by moderator Camille Bent, a Bankruptcy and Restructuring Partner at BakerHostetler; Philip Anker, Co-Chair of the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Practice Group at WilmerHale; and Jonathan Flaxer, a partner at Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell and Peskoe LLP. All are members of the City Bar's Bankruptcy & Corporate Reorganization Committee. Find the CLE materials and more at https://www.nycbar.org/media-listing/media/detail/bankruptcy-code-safe-harbor

Arianna Mouré, an Associate at CSG Law, speaks with Julia Lopez, a Partner at Reed Smith, on her professional journey and her advice for aspiring Hispanic attorneys on finding their way in the legal profession. James A. Lewis, V. , Executive Director of the City Bar’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion, introduces the conversation.

Joan Levenson, a member of the City Bar’s Animal Law Committee speaks with Meena Alagappan, Executive Director of HEART: Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers.

Christina Lewicky, a member of the City Bar Litigation Committee and the host of this podcast series, speaks with Farzin Firooznia, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, PepsiCo, Latin America; and Andrew (Drew) Tulumello, Co-Chair, Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, Weil, Gotshal & Manges. They discuss elements of a successful partnership, including philosophical alignment of values, creative whiteboard sessions, and joint efforts to transform external counsel into an effective advisor.

Christina Lewicky, a member of the City Bar Litigation Committee and the host of this podcast, speaks with Bill Dodero, Global Head of Litigation at Bayer and Jonathan Cohn, Partner at Sidley Austin. They discuss the value of outside counsel who are relentlessly selfless, resolute and solutions oriented strategists, and who produce efficient wins.

Concerns over violent threats to federal judges has led to a bill called the Daniel Anderl Act, named for a judge's son who was shot to death by a man enraged at the judge's decision in his case. We discuss the contents of the Act, and the challenges it might face, and answer the question: how will this legislation protect judges, and how might it inhibit the work of journalists? Jennifer Rodgers, former federal prosecutor and Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School, talks with Christopher Pioch and Jessenia Vazcones, Co-Chairs of the City Bar’s Task Force for the Independence of Lawyers and Judges, and Matthew Schafer, Chair of the City Bar's Communications & Media Law Committee.

In this episode: HP Proceeding Nuts and Bolts, the second episode in our series on Housing Part Proceedings and the Reality of Housing Court. Agata Rumprecht-Behrens, a court attorney currently assigned to the HP part in Queens housing court, moderates a panel discussion with Vijay Kitson, a partner at Hertz, Cherson Rosenthal specializing in landlord-tenant trial advocacy; Rachel Nager, a tenant attorney and advocate representing tenants in housing court; Travis Arrindell, supervising attorney at Department of Housing Preservation and Development; and Hon. Shorab Ibrahim, a housing judge appointed in 2018.

In this episode: Civil Court Act and the Housing Part, the first episode in our series on Housing Part Proceedings and the Reality of Housing Court. Agata Rumprecht-Behrens, a court attorney currently assigned to the HP part in Queens housing court, moderates a panel discussion with Vijay Kitson, a partner at Hertz, Cherson Rosenthal specializing in landlord-tenant trial advocacy; Rachel Nager, a tenant attorney and advocate representing tenants in housing court; Travis Arrindell, supervising attorney at Department of Housing Preservation and Development; and Hon. Shorab Ibrahim, a Housing Court judge.

A podcast of the City Bar Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee. Committee members Aimee Latorre, Stacy Schaffer, Alejandra Vargas, and Lisa Podemski share stories of their mindfulness journeys. Ethereal Meditation (https://bit.ly/3JVjyQj) by Maarten Schellekens (https://bit.ly/3kfVooY) is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. No changes were made to this track.

Dorothy Heyl, Chair of the City Bar Real Property Law Committee, speaks with Justin La Mort and Alex Lycoyannis. Justin is the Supervising Attorney for the housing rights project of Mobilization for Justice, and former Real Property Law Committee Chair. Alex is a partner at Rosenberg & Estis, and a member of the Real Property Law Committee. They talk about a bill in the New York State Legislature: Prohibition of Eviction without Good Cause. They dig into the meaning of "good cause" and the pros and cons of this bill.

Elizabeth Kocienda, New York City Bar Director of Advocacy, speaks with three City Bar members about issues that they advocated to include in the New York State Budget. Lisa Pearlstein, Betsy Kramer, and Ed Murray discuss the work that they did through their City Bar Committees to bridge the digital divide for New Yorkers living in shelters; increase funding for representation of parents and children in family court and matrimonial proceedings; and reform the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Find more resources, including those mentioned in this podcast, by using this link: https://bit.ly/3kSGIwf Uptown by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

A podcast of the City Bar Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee. Committee members Aimee Latorre, Lisa Podemski and Tsui Yee discuss setting healthy boundaries at work. For more mindfulness and well-being resources, visit the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee's webpage: https://bit.ly/3yZEyn8 Ethereal Meditation by Maarten Schellekens is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. No changes were made to this track.

Ashley Wong, an associate at Sidley Austin LLP, speaks with William Ng, the current president of AABANY, and shareholder at Littler Mendelson, P.C., and Terry Shen, past president of AABANY and a partner at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.

In this episode, Tenant Harassment, the third episode in our series on housing part proceedings and the reality of housing court. Agata Rumprecht-Behrens, a court attorney in Queens housing court, moderates a panel discussion with Vijay Kitson, a partner at Hertz, Cherson Rosenthal specializing in landlord-tenant trial advocacy; Rachel Nager, a tenant attorney and advocate representing tenants in housing court; and Judge Shorab Ibraham, a housing judge appointed in 2018. The statements and opinions of each speaker are their own and do not represent the views or opinions of other speakers, the housing court committee, the City Bar, respective law firms or the Office of Court Administration.

Christina Lewicky, a member of the City Bar’s Litigation Committee, speaks with Arun Bhoumik, Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Edward Y. Kim, Co-Founding Partner of Krieger Kim & Lewin LLP. They discuss the similarities between representing a corporate executive in an individual capacity and an institutional client; the differences between representing a founder-led and a legacy company; and the unique skills of a multicultural litigator.

The staff of the City Bar Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging discuss what Belonging means to them, the future of DEIB, the challenging work ahead, and weaving Belonging into our work every single day. Contact diversity@nycbar.org to learn how you can be involved in future episodes.

Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, ODEIB Executive Director, Angie Avila, ODEIB Manager of Development and Communications, and Mary Ellen La Rosa, ODEIB Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator speak with Leah Goodridge about her article Professionalism as a Racial Construct and discuss how “professionalism” is used to subjugate marginalized groups. Read Leah's Article "Professionalism as a Racial Construct": https://bit.ly/3DtLeMh Make an impact by being a part of our work: Join the City Bar (admission fee waived) using this membership form: https://bit.ly/3qEJqbV Join a City Bar committee: https://bit.ly/3xqT8SI Sign up for our newsletter to keep up on all ODEIB programs, events, and news: https://bit.ly/3qE5raK Uptown by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Executive Director of the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Angie Avila, ODEIB Manager of Development and Communications; and Mary Ellen La Rosa, ODEIB Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator; speak with Lissette Duran, Senior ESG Associate at Paul Weiss. Lissette shares her experience of being lifted up in the journey of her career; how she has claimed a place in new spaces even while embracing her identity; and how she has safeguarded her sense of identity in the spaces that she chooses. Make an impact by being a part of our work: Join the City Bar (admission fee waived) using this membership form: bit.ly/3qEJqbV Join a City Bar committee: bit.ly/3xqT8SI Sign up for our newsletter to keep up on all ODEIB programs, events, and news: bit.ly/3qE5raK Uptown by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Staff from City Bar Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging sat down with a Commissioner and the Special Counsel for the New York City Racial Justice Commission to discuss the process through which the Commission chose the measures that will appear on New York City ballots, and what changes New Yorkers can expect if the measures pass. Learn more about the Racial Justice Commission ballot measures at the RJC website: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ Don't Forget! Early voting in NYC begins on October 29. Learn more about early voting: https://www.nycvotes.org/how-to-vote/early-voting/

Tanya, Angie and Mary Ellen speak with Yusuf Zakir, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Davis Wright Tremaine. Yusuf shares his own journey into the DEIB space, the ways in which he invites colleagues into that space, and the way in which he has developed his firm’s approach to DEIB. Make an impact by being a part of our work: Join the City Bar (admission fee waived) using this membership form: https://bit.ly/3qEJqbV Join a City Bar committee: https://bit.ly/3xqT8SI Sign up for our newsletter to keep up on all ODEIB programs, events, and news: https://bit.ly/3qE5raK

Committee member Aimee Latorre speaks with Professor Jordana Confino of Fordham Law School. Jordana shares the wisdom of positive lawyering that she teaches to Fordham Law students, underlining the power and practices of self-compassion and a growth mindset. More resources from the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee: https://bit.ly/3yZEyn8 Ethereal Meditation by Maarten Schellekens is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. No changes were made to this track.

Tanya, Angie and Mary Ellen speak with Zila Acosta Grimes, Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton. Zila’s roots in New York’s Latinx community and legal community run deep. She shares her own immersive upbringing in those communities, and shares her playbook for building affinity groups that make inclusive and powerful spaces for communities not traditionally represented in the law. Make an impact by being a part of our work: Join the City Bar (admission fee waived) using this membership form: bit.ly/3qEJqbV Join a City Bar committee: bit.ly/3xqT8SI Sign up for our newsletter to keep up on all ODEIB programs, events, and news: bit.ly/3qE5raK

Tanya, Angie and Mary Ellen speak with Ashley Bernal, Director of Research and Impact for ProInspire. Ashley was the Research Consultant for a City Bar report that made recommendations about diversifying and strengthening the pipeline to the legal profession. Ashley helped us understand the findings of the report. She also talked to us about some of the hierarchies in the educational system that work against DEIB. And we talked about the way that students fall out of the legal pipeline because legal education is often designed to be unsupportive. Read Ashley's report, The Diversity Gap: Black and Latinx Disparities in the Legal Pipeline (https://bit.ly/3YwbRI8), and the City Bar's report on legal pipeline program, Sealing the Leaks: Recommendations to Diversify and Strengthen the Pipeline to the Legal Profession (https://bit.ly/3I1eNFS).

Tanya, Angie and Mary Ellen speak with Julie Bosi and Valery Federici of Level Up Legal. They talk about coaching in the legal industry and the way that the skills of the law can run counter to the skills of well-being, and how the work of building emotional well-being dovetails with the work of DEIB. Tune in to hear about: How coaching works in the context of the legal profession How coaching is tailored to each individual lawyer Combating negativity bias Building psychological safety to break down systems of oppression

In this episode: Enforcing Orders to Correct, the fourth episode in our series on Housing Part Proceedings and the Reality of Housing Court. Agata Rumprecht-Behrens, a court attorney currently assigned to the HP part in Queens housing court, moderates a panel discussion with Vijay Kitson, a partner at Hertz, Cherson Rosenthal specializing in landlord-tenant trial advocacy; Rachel Nager, a tenant attorney and advocate representing tenants in housing court; Paul Gdanski, a supervising attorney in the tenant anti-harassment unit at HPD; and Judge Shorab Ibraham, a housing judge appointed in 2018.

Justice Rolando Acosta shares his story of growing up in the Dominican Republic and coming to New York at 14, finding opportunities by excelling academically and on the baseball field, and choosing the law and going to work at Legal Aid as a way of paying back the help that had been given to his family. Justice Acosta and his daughter Zila Acosta-Grimes compare notes on their upbringing and their privileges, and how they have learned to use privilege as power. Justice Acosta remembers for us his time building the Dominican community in Washington Heights and Inwood by building up social service infrastructure like Alianza Dominicana and Community Association of Progressive Dominicans alongside other community leaders like Adriano Espaillat and Dr. Raphael Lantigua. Justice Acosta also shares insights about the challenges of making change happen at the institutional level, delving into his own efforts to modernize the Appellate Division First Department while he was Presiding Justice. Justice Acosta talked with the ODEIB team about the importance of representation not just in the workplace and the boardroom, but in institutions of justice and as a building block of the rule of law. DEIB for the People – a Collection of DEIB Content for Your Screens Mary Ellen: #DoTheWork from writer/activist Rachel Cargle – https://bityl.co/IqtB Tanya: Ru Paul’s Drag Race – https://bityl.co/IqtH Angie: Crip Camp – https://bityl.co/IqtI (Streaming); https://bityl.co/IqtN (Home Page)

Jerome Walker, Lorraine McGowen and Edward So are Co-Chairs of a new City Bar Task Force on Digital Technologies. They introduce the Task Force, its objectives, its work so far, and its vision for the future.

Ankura Consulting Group is a management consulting firm with over two thousand employees advising corporations in various industries and sectors e.g. cybersecurity, construction, litigation and human resources. Shawn Miles' and Patricia Rodriguez’s social-impact team helps companies ask themselves difficult questions about their own environments and values so that they can make sure that their people feel accepted, welcome and able to show up as themselves. Patricia and Shawn speak about being intentional with Belonging, about building strategies and spaces for people to be honest and sometimes uncomfortable. They helped us understand the ways in which building psychological safety to get things wrong can be tantamount to building psychological safety to really try and get things right. The Building Belonging crew carries this idea into a discussion about how to persevere in the face of an “anti-woke” movement that seeks to co-opt and undermine DEIB ideals. Tanya, Angie and Mary Ellen talk with Shawn and Patricia about how to be prepared for “anti-woke” arguments that are made in bad faith and how to keep the DEIB conversation going on a productive track. They also delve into the implications of these strategies in the political atmosphere of anti-woke, anti-DEIB regulations. The data shows that organizations that succeed in DEIB also outperform their competitors financially. Patricia and Shawn talk about how improving DEIB improves organizational decision-making and makes companies more responsive to increasingly-diverse customer bases. Nevertheless, when recession happens and businesses need to make cuts, DEIB initiatives are often first on the block. Shawn and Patricia shared some of the talking points and strategies that they have used to remind companies that DEIB is good for long-term, sustainable growth as well as for retention of the top talent. DEIB for the People – a Collection of DEIB Content for Your Screens Angie – Milk (https://amz.run/6oME) Mary Ellen – So You Want to Talk about Race? (https://amz.run/6oMF) Tanya – Overruling Grutter: What Does Ending Affirmative Action Mean for Voluntary DEI Workplace (https://bityl.co/JQIr)

Heather Hatcher is Chair of the City Bar’s Health Law Committee and a public health policy advocate. Roland Trope is a Partner at Trope and Schramm LLP and an Adjunct Professor in the Departments of Law and of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Heather and Roland interviewed Anthony E. Davis, Of Counsel at Clyde and Co. US and an international expert on professional responsibility. They discuss the transformations that AI tools will make to legal services, and they consider the challenges to evaluating and deploying those tools on behalf of the client. • How will AI tools change the landscape of legal services? • How can lawyers and law firms evaluate AI tools that purport to be applicable to individual use cases? • What are the risks of using AI tools for legal services? • How much technological expertise do lawyers need to have? • Who is liable for mistakes made by AI tools? • What are the ethical risks for lawyers using AI tools? This interview was recorded on March 30, several weeks before the widespread reportage (https://bityl.co/JXfC) of the problems in Mata v. Avianca involving the misuse of the OpenAI application ChatGPT-4 that led to the submission of filings with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York citing and quoting fake cases.

A brand new professional development podcast from the City Bar where we talk with lawyers about seizing opportunities, learning lessons the hard way, and about what makes them tick. Search for the This Lawyer's Life feed wherever you listen and subscribe! Gregory Binstock, City Bar Director of Professional Development, sits down with Ellen Holloman, a Partner in Cadwalader’s Global Litigation Group. Tune in to learn more about: • How learning flows both ways in Ellen’s mentor/mentee relationship • How leaders should approach lessons in DEI that come from a new generation of attorneys who are at the bottom of the firm hierarchy • How Ellen has navigated unsupportive encounters while seeking supportive spaces • How DEI contributes to winning litigation • How Ellen makes pro bono and service core elements of her career

Aliza Shatzman is President and Founder of the Legal Accountability Project, a nonprofit aimed at extending support and resources to law clerks to ensure that they have a positive clerkship experience. Aliza talks about the mistreatment that she experienced as a law clerk. Her experience led her to discover the shocking lack of labor protections for clerks and the enormous power disparity between clerks and judges. Aliza was ultimately inspired to take on the deeply entrenched status quo in the clerking system. Tune in to hear about: • The power dynamic that exists today which gives judges the power to mistreat clerks and potentially derail their clerks’ careers • How law schools and their clerkship offices have been complicit in protecting bad actors and withholding information about bad judges from clerkship applicants • How Aliza has improved accountability for judges and raised awareness in the community of law clerks • What law clerks experiencing mistreatment can do to get help • What changes need to be made to improve working conditions for clerks • The centralized clerkship database created by the Legal Accountability Project that democratizes information about judges and clerkships: https://bityl.co/K4ND You can read Aliza’s testimony to the House Committee on the Judiciary here: https://bityl.co/K6EO DEIB for the People – a Collection of DEIB Content for Your Screens Mary Ellen – Radical Queer Witches (https://bityl.co/K6EV) Angie – Women Talking (https://amz.run/6vjB) Tanya – Wednesday (https://bityl.co/K6EW) a recommendation to watch and to investigate bias: (https://bityl.co/K6Ei)

A story of artificial intelligence, fabricated precedent, and a litigation gone awry that made cringeworthy headlines even outside the legal world. In Mata v. Avianca a lawyer submitted a brief in federal court citing precedent that ChatGPT had spun out of thin air. Three members of the City Bar Working Group on Judicial Administration and Artificial Intelligence break down how it happened and what we can learn about the use of artificial intelligence in courts. Tune in to hear Harut Minasian, Richard Hong and Stuart Levi discuss: • How did the judge in the case deal with the fact pattern that emerged and how were the lawyers in question held accountable for their actions? • Is there now a greater duty of oversight for lawyers in the new AI context? • When is AI-generated material an aid for human work and when is it a source? • How should lawyers responsibly disclose their use of AI tools to the court? • What rules are judges around the country making about the disclosure of AI tools used in their courtrooms?

Beth Haddock and Lewis Cohen are Co-Chairs of the Web3 Subcommittee of the City Bar Task Force on Digital Technologies, and they’re experts in the world of Web3, decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. They helped us understand how the world of decentralized technologies is taking shape, what problems are being discussed and discovered by innovators, and where we stand to benefit from future breakthroughs. Tune in to hear about: • Takeaways for lawyers from two recent, major reports of the international Financial Stability Board. What lawyers could use in their practice and what they should think about when they think of developments in Web3. • What is DeFi (decentralized finance) and what are DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations)? How do we know when a project truly fits into these spaces? • What are the incentives and differences between traditional finance and decentralized finance? • What are the potential benefits of decentralized finance? • What are reliable and reputable resources for people who want to learn more about decentralized finance? Resources FSB Report - https://bityl.co/KOlC US Treasury illicit finance report - https://bityl.co/KOlA DeFi Alliance - https://bityl.co/KOl9 DeFi Education Fund - https://bityl.co/KOl8 Ethereum Foundation - https://bityl.co/KOl7 Vitalik Buterin blog - https://bityl.co/KOl5 Beth and Lewis' Twitters - @HaddockBeth; @NYcryptolawyer

Adrienne Woods, a member of the City Bar’s Social Networking and Events Committee, sat down with Bruce Libman, a master business-development strategist, to unpack the fundamentals of effective networking that will generate business for lawyers. Tune in to hear about: • How effective networking is the process of opening yourself up to authentically engage others • Practical examples of effective networking questions, planning and followup strategies • Tips for developing and honing networking techniques

Robert Schwinger and Hector Ivan Velez are Co-Chairs of the Distributed Ledger Technology and Blockchain Subcommittee of the City Bar Task Force on Digital Technologies. They unpacked four key use cases for asset tokenization – real estate, art, commodities and carbon credits – in order to cover the basics of tokenization, the potential for democratizing access to investment opportunity, and the barriers to adoption. Tune in to hear about:  • How tokenization could open global markets in some assets • How courts have treated tokenized assets • The risks presented by the tokenization of assets • The legal and regulatory challenges to adoption of asset tokenization

Why do you have to take the LSAT to get into law school? Is the modern Bar Exam the best way to protect the public and sort bar admission applicants? Why is the law school curriculum designed the way that it is? What does it mean to have the character and fitness to be a lawyer? Many lawyers take for granted that the answers to these questions are settled. The assumption is that these institutions help us select only the best and the brightest to enter the legal profession. In this episode of the City Bar Podcast, two academic experts help us probe those assumptions. They unpack the history, structure and outcomes of these institutions of selection. And they tease out the many interconnected ways in which the status quo functionally excludes people from underrepresented communities from entering the legal profession. Tune in to learn about: • How standardized tests that claim to predict law school success sort significantly based on economic class and race. • How the Bar Exam still in use today has historical roots in purposeful exclusion. • How Black and Latinx students get less financial aid and more debt on their paths through law school. • How legal education is largely set up to benefit people who come in knowing something about the law and “legal culture,” to the detriment of first-generation lawyers. • How character and fitness standards have historically largely reflected the bigotry and biases of the era. • How the legal profession can begin to reverse course and make these institutions work to include more people with the motivation, intelligence, skills, talent and commitment to becoming a lawyer. Resources: Sealing the Leaks: Recommendations to Diversify and Strengthen the Pipeline to the Legal Profession: https://bit.ly/3I1eNFS The Diversity Gap: Black and Latinx Representation Disparities in the Legal Pipeline: https://bit.ly/3ssibFP Building Belonging Podcast: https://apple.co/3SAgnp6 Radical Reformation: Diverse Pathways to Attorney Licensure Will Yield a More Diverse Profession: https://bit.ly/460jNEw Professor Carla Pratt’s Book – The End of the Pipeline: A Journey of Recognition for African Americans Entering the Legal Profession: https://bityl.co/LqhD Professor Joan Howarth’s Book – Shaping the Bar: The Future of Attorney Licensing: https://bityl.co/LqhC College Admissions Tests and Socioeconomic/Racial Discrimination: https://bityl.co/Lqf4 Robert J. Steinberg’s Study of Admissions Testing Efficacy: https://bit.ly/3u7nATc Examining the California Cut Score: An Empirical Analysis of Minimum Competency, Public Protection, Disparate Impact, and National Standards: https://bityl.co/Lqf6 Building a Better Bar: The Twelve Building Blocks of Minimum Competence: https://bit.ly/40xrd15 Final Report of the Testing Task Force for the NexGen Bar Exam: https://bit.ly/3QPNZ0B Lawyer Licensing Resources: Exploring Ways to License Lawyers Now and in the Future: https://bit.ly/469xb9p Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/40wHKCa

Five members of the City Bar Digitial Technology Task Force explain the New York Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) amendments and their potential impact on digital assets, trade finance and electronic commerce. Sandra Rocks, Ed Smith, Eric Marcus, Neil Cohen and Lorraine McGowen explain how adopting the amendments will benefit New York and will ensure that New York remains the preferred jurisdiction for parties transacting business. Access a transcript of this recording here: https://bityl.co/MLKD

In this episode of the New York City Bar Association podcast, members of the United Nations Committee – Shubha Chandra, Yveline Dalmacy, Karl Fisher and Sophia Murashkovsky Romma – discuss the Association's recent membership in the UN Global Compact. The conversation touches upon the Global Compact's mission, its fundamental principles, and the broader implications of the partnership for the Bar Association and its members. Ensuring respect for justice, human rights, corporate sustainability, and adhering to the rule of law are important aspects underlined in the discussion. The episode also elaborates on the potential benefits for members such as access to diverse training on corporate sustainability. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bityl.co/MSo7

The City Bar’s Working Group on Judicial Administration and Artificial Intelligence is back to get into a recent headline-making case of AI allegedly misused in the courtroom. Harut Minasian, Stuart Levi, Richard Hong and David Zaslowsky break down the recent news about the US v. Michel: bad use of AI, or just plain bad lawyering? They discuss how AI can be used as a valuable tool in the legal toolkit for some tasks, but highlight the need for understanding the functionality, reliability, and limitations of AI technology. But whether or not AI can be reliably used today in some limited ways, the real question is: is AI ready for primetime? Tune in to hear more about: • Is the ineffective assistance of counsel claim in US v. Michel likely to succeed? • How should lawyers disclose to clients the AI tools that they do use? • Is using AI really so different from using other ‘new’ technologies like Lexis and Westlaw? Is it different from asking a Partner with specialized knowledge for input? • Will it ever be the case that NOT using AI will be grounds for professional misconduct? Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bityl.co/MfRf

Lawyer. Leader. Public Servant. Trailblazer. Friend. Marybeth Peters, the second-longest serving Register of Copyrights (1994 - 2010), died on September 29, 2022, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 83. With her passing, Register Peters left behind a lasting and far-reaching legacy in her storied 40-plus year career as a distinguished attorney, respected copyright law expert, and the director of the U.S. Copyright Office, where she helped shape and implement critical new laws, including the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act among others. In addition, Register Peters was remembered as a mentor, teacher, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around her with grace and her unforgettable laugh. Presented by the New York City Bar Copyright and Literary Property Committee, committee members Theodora Fleurant, a trademark attorney based in New York City, and Jose Landivar, an Associate at Coates IP, lead an unforgettable series of conversations with some of the people closest to Register Peters to look back on her life and legacy, including: • Shira Perlmutter, the current Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office • Maria Pallante, President and CEO of the Association of American Publishers who formerly served as the 12th Register of Copyrights • Richard Dannay, Counsel at Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman, P.C. • Eric Schwartz, Partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, and former Acting General Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to the Register of Copyrights • David Carson, current Copyright Office Claims Officer who, formerly served as head of the Copyright Policy Team in the Office of Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and as General Counsel of the U.S. Copyright Office This podcast paints a fascinating portrait of a leading U.S. and international copyright law expert. It seeks to inspire listeners with lessons in leadership, courage, innovation, and dedicated public service. This podcast would not have been possible without the support of the U.S. Copyright Office (https://www.copyright.gov/) and audio provided by the Copyright Clearance Center. Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Copyright Office. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bityl.co/MvSf

The City Bar Task Force on Digital Technologies explores the implications of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s proposed rule on digital wallets and payment apps. After a review of the CFPB's authoritative reach, its enforcement authority, and its coordination with other regulatory agencies, we dig into the proposed rule – what its key provisions are, how its comment period was decided upon, and how it determines which entities will be affected. The group, which includes former senior CFPB officials, also discuss how attorneys could advise their clients about the CFPB entry into this space. Tune in to hear more about: • The role and power of the CFPB • The CFPB’s rulemaking, supervision and enforcement authorities • Implications of the CFPB's proposed rule on digital wallets and payment apps • Lessons from previous CFPB supervision of larger participants Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bityl.co/N6zc

The Digital Technology Task Force explores the crisis of unequal access to digital technologies. Robert A. Marchman and Jolevette Mitchell talk about how this huge issue can hide in plain sight, and they go over some of the existing efforts to close the gap as well as existing challenges. This episode also covers some of the pitfalls that even well-intentioned reforms must be careful to avoid. Tune in to hear more about: • What is the digital divide? Who are the communities that are affected? • What is being done at the local, state and federal level to close the digital divide? • How can existing programs be expanded, and how can existing programs better work together? • How can reform efforts avoid the possible harms implicit in the use of many technologies? Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/48wlqvo Related Resources (NYS ConnectALL) Five-Year Action Plan - Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: https://on.ny.gov/3tCipLf (GAO) Broadband - National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide: https://bit.ly/3vvjfK7 (City Bar) Support for Legislation Providing Internet Access to Individuals Living in Temporary Housing Throughout New York State: https://bit.ly/41S4eOL (City Bar) Help Ensure Internet Access for New Yorkers Experiencing Homelessness: https://bit.ly/3vnKhDv

Almost everyone has heard of the metaverse and seen that word in a splashy headline. But what is it, really, and what could it become in the future? In some sense, the answer is simple and very broad: the metaverse is a new environment for people to interact, shop, play and learn, and a new environment for companies to advertise, market and sell. But the metaverse today is a new Wild West where potential for innovation is matched by potential risk factors in terms of ownership, liability, trademark and intellectual property, and much more. Jerome Walker, Flora Lau and Terry Dugan from the City Bar Digital Technology Task Force dive into the innovations and the risks that are emerging today. And they ask, with creators and companies galloping into the new frontier, where are they going and who will be in charge? Tune in to hear more about: • What is the metaverse? Why was it created? And what is the metaverse experience like? • Who are some of the leading companies in the metaverse? • Why should lawyers for example, even care about the metaverse? • New vocabulary and concepts from the metaverse. • What are the legal issues for influencers in the metaverse? How do you deal with the concept of ownership in the metaverse? Who owns the content of the metaverse? • What are the trademark and IP issues in the metaverse? • What are the product liability issues in the metaverse? • What’s next for the metaverse? Who will lead the charge to Web 3.0 and how soon will we get there? Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3vKCUWC

Governor Hochul has proposed transferring one hundred million dollars from the state’s IOLA account into the State General Fund. That could have cascading consequences for the State’s legal services community and the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers that it serves. We’re here today to help you understand what IOLA is, the stakes in the governor’s budget proposal, and what lawyers and others can do to stand up for IOLA. View a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3OFrYjX Google this episode for links to the resources below. IOLA Press Release linking to Community Letter urging Governor Hochul to undo $100 million IOLA transfer.  The signatories represent leading social service agencies, veterans groups, health care providers, legal organizations, and concerned citizens from across the state. IOLA Letter to Governor Hochul IOLA Board Statement New York State Bar Association Press Release NY Legal Services Coalition Testimony Network of Bar Leaders Statement New York City Bar Association Statement New York County Lawyers Association Statement

Flying cars and vertipads. Electric cars filling the streets with a charging station on every block. That’s the not-so-distant future and the experts are getting serious about preparing for it. How will the grid accommodate all of these new draws on electricity? How will this army of new devices communicate with each other? What business models will govern our new technologies? Who will own the galaxy of new data that results? Matthew Daus, Margaret Barry, Elizabeth Stein and Lorraine McGowen from the Electronic Mobility Subcommittee of the Digital Technology Task Force tackle these and more pressing questions in this episode of the New York City Bar Podcast. Stay tuned to hear more about: • What are emerging transportation technologies? • What’s next for the proliferation of electric vehicles? • How will we need to adapt the electrical grid to accommodate all of these new technologies, and how can we ensure they are deployed equitably? • What new challenges in product liability are going to come with new electronic mobility technologies? Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3SReLFJ

Bad actors have been some of the earliest and most skillful adopters of new financial digital technologies. They are using those technologies to move money and finance their operations in ways that present a raft of new challenges for law enforcement agents and financial regulatory agencies. The justice and financial systems are speedily reacting and learning to enforce financial laws in the digital world. It’s uncharted territory, and the laws and regulations enforced by various agencies often overlap. So the City Bar Digital Technology Task Force invited five of its members (all current and former law enforcement and compliance chiefs) to start the discussion about how market participants and other stakeholders can understand the actions of law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the digital technologies arena. Tune in to learn more about: • How the US at the federal, state, and local levels fight narcotics, trafficking and money laundering in the digital world. • The ins and outs of public private partnership in crypto investigations for various government agencies. • Why market participants and other stakeholders should help prevent illicit activities by terrorist groups like Hamas, North Korea and Iran. • Tools to help prevent illicit activity from infiltrating the financial system. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3Tfb11g

Committee member Aimee Latorre speaks with Craig Dobson, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. They focused on healthy eating practices as well as how lawyers can use mindful approaches to eating that support their personal and professional well-being. Craig is a practicing ethics attorney with a vivid personal journey into the world of nutrition and coaching. He shared some common-sense framing devices when approaching nutrition. Craig also spoke about forming habits and building new practices. Tune in to learn more about: • How mindful eating can contribute to attorney well-being • How wellness coaches can support clients in making informed choices on their personal wellness journeys • Different forms of misinformation around diet and nutrition • Craig’s tips for starting a mindfulness practice based on his own experience starting from step one Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/49TTjr7

The judiciary is poised for transformation in the AI era. From the courtroom to chambers, judges will likely need to address AI. Are current tools accurate enough for judicial work? How will judges be able to verify appropriate uses of these tools? What new opportunities and new headaches are going to crop up in courtrooms? Harut Minasian of the City Bar Working Group on Judicial Administration and Artificial Intelligence takes on those questions and more with two former federal judges: Hon. Katherine Forrest (S.D.N.Y.) and Hon. Paul Grimm (D. Md.). Tune in to learn more about:  • What are the challenges at the intersection of AI and evidence?  • How are professional responsibility rules changing to account for the use of AI in legal practice?  • Will AI democratize legal services and access to justice?  • What is the future of AI in the courtroom?   Use this link to access a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/43PZslY

The City Bar Digital Technologies Task Force teams up today with the Financial Technology Association for a deep dive into the State of Fintech. Angelena Bradfield (FTA), Adam VanWagner (MoneyLion), Matt Cameron (Remitly), Meredith Fuchs (Plaid), and Parris Sanz (WebBank) unpack the current legal and regulatory environment, especially with regard to recent moves toward an open banking rule. Our guests discuss the significant impact of fintech on financial inclusion, consumer benefits, and the evolving landscape of digital financial services. The conversation highlights the crucial role of regulatory flexibility and the potential of technologies like AI in fostering innovation while ensuring robust consumer protection. The discussion also touches on the significant implications of regulatory actions at both federal and state levels on the fintech ecosystem. The experts call for a balanced approach to regulation that encourages innovation and ensures consumer trust in the fintech industry. Tune in to hear more about: • How will a forthcoming open-banking rule from the CFPB change the banking industry? • What is the potential for fintechs to expand inclusion in the financial system? • How will the use of AI affect future partnerships between fintechs and traditional banks? • How friendly to innovation is the current regulatory regime? How has the balance shifted over time? Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3xmNDYex

Artificial intelligence tools are already changing the legal landscape, so how will lawyers know how to use them while complying with existing ethics rules? David Keyko and Tyler Maulsby – current and former chairs of the City Bar Professional Ethics Committee – join Azish Filabi, Executive Director of the American College of Financial Services Center for Ethics, on the latest podcast from the Digital Technologies Task Force to talk about the current landscape of ethics rules in relation to emerging digital technologies. They dig into the implications for the duties of confidentiality, disclosure and transparency while examining whether past leaps in technology – think cell phones and email – can inform the technological revolution that is happening underfoot today. Tune in to learn more about: • How do current legal ethics rules address digital technology? • What legal ethics rules exist addressing artificial intelligence? • What legal ethics considerations should lawyers have when advising clients on new technologies? • How can legal ethics inform the choice between using a tool from a third party vendor and managing a tool in-house? • How should lawyers think about disclosure to clients if they're using generative AI systems? Want to learn more about innovations in digital technologies for the legal world? Join us at our upcoming City Bar Programs: Technology Innovations and the Law on May 16 (https://bit.ly/3wkjtom) and the Artificial Intelligence Institute on June 10 (https://bit.ly/3JLCbrW). (These programs are available on-demand thereafter.) Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3UqERAr

The City Bar Task Force on Digital Technologies dives into the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the insurance sector, highlighting the unique regulatory environment in the United States where insurance is state regulated. It discusses the role of key states such as New York and Colorado and the national guidance provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) on the use of AI in insurance in a range of areas. The podcast features expert insights from Jerome Walker, Sophia Duffy, Azish Filabi, and Corey Goldstein, who discuss and compare the transformative effects of AI in insurance, focusing on actions by the New York State Department of Financial Services, the Colorado Division of Insurance and NAIC on ethical implications, the challenges of managing third-party algorithm developers, and recommendations for a national framework to ensure AI's ethical use in insurance. They elaborate on the roles of governance, testing, and third-party vendor management in complying with regulatory standards and the importance of audits and certifications for AI systems to prevent unfair discrimination and promote transparency and accountability. Tune in to learn more about: • What existing insurance regulations and guidance apply to artificial intelligence? • What is the role of NAIC on AI in insurance? • What data sources are underwriters using for their AI tools and how are they combatting bias in the data? • A comparison of regulatory approaches in New York, Colorado and elsewhere. • Insights on third-party vendor management. Want to learn more about innovations in digital technologies for the legal world? Join us at the City Bar’s upcoming Artificial Intelligence Institute on June 10. (This program will be available on-demand thereafter.) Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/4b9CWHv Related articles: The NYDFS Plans to Impose Significant Obligations on Insurers Using AI or External Data (https://bit.ly/3wrY10S) AI-Enabled Underwriting Brings New Challenges for Life Insurance: Policy and Regulatory Considerations (https://bit.ly/3WI2OGe) Colorado Governance and Risk Management Framework Requirements for Life Insurers’ Use of External Consumer Data and Information Sources, Algorithms, and Predictive Models (https://bit.ly/3UGwwbO) NAIC Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (https://bit.ly/3K3XNjA)

The New York City Bar Association is proud to welcome its next President, Muhammad U. Faridi. Besides being a longstanding, active member of the New York City Bar Association, Mr. Faridi is a Litigation Partner at Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler. He serves as the independent civilian representative to the New York City Police Department's Handschu Committee, which regulates NYPD policies and practices regarding investigations of political activity in compliance with a consent decree. He previously served on the New York City Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. He is the first Muslim-American to serve as President of the City Bar. Here, addressing the 2024 annual meeting of the City Bar on May 21st, is New York City Bar Association President Muhammad U. Faridi. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3R2k459

On today’s podcast the City Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) hosts a discussion with Lara Gregory, an attorney, activist and community leader. Together with LAP Clinical Coordinator Michele Cuevas (JD, LCSW), Ms. Gregory talks about her roots in the Philippines and in the legal community as well as her experience as an AAPI woman lawyer. Ms. Gregory shared about the activism in support of the AAPI community and against AAPI hate which she has led and participated in, and gave her perspective on the impact of hate crimes on broader communities. She also spoke about the need to speak candidly and openly about women’s health both in the legal profession and beyond. Lara Gregory is an attorney with over twenty years of experience; recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of the President of the United States and AmeriCorps; a member of the Hate Crimes Task Force of the National Federation of Filipino Association and Filipino Americans for Racial Action; a member of the AAPI Advisory Board of the Queens district attorney's office, and much more. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3XcnC8M 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:08 Meet Lara Gregory: Attorney and Community Leader 03:22 Lara Gregory's Motivation to Practice Law 04:40 Involvement with the New York City Bar Association 05:11 Impact of the Pandemic and Anti-Asian Hate 08:01 Overcoming Adversity 11:01 Challenges Faced by Women in Law 16:04 The Importance of Women's Health 16:51 Addressing Hate Crimes and Community Support 20:34 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Karyn A. Temple is the Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel for the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and one of the world’s leading authorities on copyright and anti-piracy. Karyn oversees the MPA’s legal affairs and content protection efforts worldwide. Before joining the MPA, Karyn served more than eight years in the U.S. Copyright Office as the Register of Copyrights, where she led the 400-person agency and its eight divisions. Karyn previously served as Vice President of Litigation and Legal Affairs for the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), spent several years as a litigation associate at the law firm, Williams & Connolly LLP, and received her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, where she was Senior Editor of the Columbia Law Review, and served as Chairperson of the Columbia Black Law Students’ Association. Karyn recently joined the Board of the Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice and has served in several prominent volunteer positions in the copyright community. Presented by the New York City Bar Copyright and Literary Property Committee and hosted by members Theodora Fleurant and Jose Landivar, Ms. Temple reflects on her storied career and the MPA’s ongoing battle against online piracy. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/4b4z4GO Selected Links from the Episode: Motion Picture Association: https://www.motionpictures.org/ Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment: https://www.alliance4creativity.com/ Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iipsj/ New York City Bar Copyright & Literary Property Committee: https://www.nycbar.org/committees/copyright-literary-property-committee/

Hayley Gorenberg, co-chair of the LGBTQ Rights Committee, and Mary-Ellen La Rosa, Manager of Pipeline Initiatives and Education, discuss creating inclusive environments and understanding the broader social forces that contribute to inclusivity or lack thereof. They emphasize the importance of training oneself to recognize and dismantle exclusion dynamics, using respectful language, and embracing allyship. The discussion covers challenges such as deadnaming, the significance of pronoun use, and the legal implications of persistent workplace discrimination. The episode also highlights the evolving language around LGBTQ+ identities and the critical role of allies in building supportive spaces. Want to continue your learning about inclusivity? Check out the City Bar’s on-demand program: Being Seen in Dialogue for Diversity: A Discussion on Intersectional Feminism in the Legal Profession https://bit.ly/3xD90oy Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3W15opI 00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Environments 01:46 Meet the Experts: Hayley Gorenberg and Mary-Ellen La Rosa 02:32 Understanding Workplace Dynamics and Systems 03:32 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Individuals in the Workplace 11:47 The Importance of Pronouns and Respectful Language 15:09 Legal Implications of Inclusivity in the Workplace 23:19 The Role of Allyship and Privilege 34:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Muhammad Faridi, President of the New York City Bar Association, is joined by Boaz Morag, a Counsel at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and one of the lead drafters of a recent City Bar report analyzing for the Office of the Legal Advisor in the U.S. Department of State three private international law treaties: the Hague Convention on Choice of Courts Agreements (COCA), the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Judgments Convention), and the UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention). These treaties deal with the cross-border recognition and enforcement of court judgments and mediated settlement agreements. We investigate the purpose and impact of these treaties on current practice in this country and on U.S. litigants who seek to enforce U.S. courts judgments abroad, the status of the treaties, and the detailed recommendations provided in the City Bar report. The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the potential benefits of these conventions for litigants seeking to have their judgments and settlements enforced internationally as well as the intricacies involved in implementing these treaties in the United States. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3zWnD7b Read the City Bar Report on Three Private International Law Treaties here: https://bit.ly/4c5NQO2 00:00 Introduction to the Discussion 00:56 Meet Boaz Morag: Background and Career 03:54 The Role of the State Department and the City Bar 06:14 Introduction to the Three Treaties 07:56 Deep Dive into COCA and the Judgments Convention 12:12 Understanding the Judgments Convention 17:53 Criticisms and Concerns about COCA 29:28 The Singapore Convention on Mediation 34:49 Implementation Challenges in the U.S. 48:14 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

The metaverse isn’t just the future, it’s already here and growing in every direction. But with so many players and users expanding in the space, the boundaries between metaverse platforms are becoming more cumbersome and complex. Flora Lau and Terry Dugan of the New York City Bar Association Digital Technologies Task Force host Larry Goldberg, a pioneer in media accessibility, and Debbie Rosenbaum, a leading attorney at Meta with extensive experience in Oculus and immersive spaces. They share their thoughts on developing cross-platform standards for the metaverse, discuss the role of avatars and digital identity, and explore the challenges of making the metaverse inclusive for people with disabilities. The episode explores technical challenges, policy considerations, and the importance of social norms within virtual environments. Key topics include interoperability, the economics of digital assets, and the potential for innovative applications in extended reality. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3AFroym Listen to our first podcast episode on the metaverse: What Is the Metaverse, Really? https://bit.ly/3AE39AK Want to learn more about developing standards and best-practices for emerging technologies? Join us at the City Bar’s upcoming CLE program on October 10: Guidelines for Users and Developers of AI Powered Technologies (https://bit.ly/4dSBYAA). (This program will be available on-demand thereafter.) Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:39 Introducing the Guests: Larry Goldberg and Debbie Rosenbaum 02:35 Larry Goldberg's Journey in Accessibility 03:54 Debbie Rosenbaum's Metaverse Experience 06:39 Meta's Vision for the Metaverse 07:41 Challenges and Innovations in Cross-Platform Standards 11:26 The Role of AR Glasses and Accessibility 25:21 The Future of Avatars and Digital Identity 29:05 Challenges of Avatar Customization 29:30 Avatar Rights and Legal Issues 32:36 Social Norms in the Metaverse 37:29 Early Days of the Metaverse 43:38 Interoperability and Business Drivers 46:11 Decentralization and Future Prospects 49:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of the New York City Bar Association podcast, hosted by Sara Chekroun and sponsored by the Animal Law Committee, the spotlight is on Steven Wise's pioneering legal career and his legacy with the Nonhuman Rights Project (NHRP). Guests Courtney Fern and Elizabeth Stein, both attorneys with NHRP, delve into Wise's groundbreaking legal strategies that fundamentally altered the framework for animal advocacy. They discuss the application of writs of habeas corpus for non-human animals, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in advancing animal rights cases. The conversation also covers current legislative efforts to secure bodily liberty for elephants and other animals, underscoring the impact Wise's work has had on public and judicial perceptions of animal rights. The episode pays tribute to Steven Wise's enduring influence in the realm of animal law. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/479Ng17 Read the City Bar Animal Law Committee’s recent report supporting an NYC local law regarding the keeping of elephants: https://bit.ly/46Mqwnm Read the City Bar’s Report in Support of the Elephant Protection Act: https://bit.ly/3YzV7CE 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 00:36 Remembering Steven Wise's Legacy 03:17 Understanding Habeas Corpus for Non-Human Animals 09:33 The Case of Happy the Elephant 23:59 Legislative Efforts for Animal Rights 27:46 Personal Memories of Steven Wise 31:31 The Evolution of Animal Rights Law 41:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

President Muhammad Faridi hosts Rich Miller (former Chief of Energy Policy for New York City and former Vice President of Energy and Environmental Law at Con Edison) and Robie Craig (Senior Energy Council at the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services), Co-Chairs of the City Bar Energy Law Committee. The conversation touches on various aspects of energy policy and its relevance to New York City, including historical perspectives on power generation, the current shift towards clean energy, and the implementation of regulatory mandates such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the Build Public Renewables Act. Muhammad, Rich and Robie also explore the city's efforts to balance environmental justice with the need for reliable energy supply, the role of Con Edison, challenges posed by intermittent renewable sources, and the steps New York City is taking to support electric vehicle adoption. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3XhBhtK Want to learn more about the impact of energy decisions and environmental justice? Join us at the City Bar’s upcoming programs: The Professional Duty of Lawyers and Bar Associations in Action on Climate on September 23 (https://bit.ly/3XsQhFh) and Economic and Environmental Impacts of State and City Funded Remediation Programs on Environmental Justice Communities in NYC on October 29 (https://bit.ly/3XrirQL). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:46 Understanding DCAS and Con Edison 11:15 New York City's Energy Landscape 16:58 Historical Perspective: The Birth of Electricity in NYC 23:52 Regulatory Framework and Environmental Justice 35:49 Future of Clean Energy and Transportation in NYC 49:03 Committee Focus and Closing Remarks

The Presidential Task Force on AI and Digital Technologies’ Bob Schwinger hosts a discussion with fellow Task Force members Don Irwin and Tyler Yagman. They identify the key takeaways from the House Financial Services Committee’s June 5th congressional hearing about the tokenization of real-world assets, its relation to cryptocurrency, and its potential to improve market efficiency and transparency. Bob, Don, and Tyler also discuss the importance of regulatory compliance, the differences between permissioned and permissionless blockchains, and tokenization's implications for future financial inclusion. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3ZxikWG Want to learn more about emerging digital technologies and their development? Join us at the City Bar’s upcoming program: Guidelines for Users and Developers of AI Powered Technologies on October 10 (https://bit.ly/GUDAI) and view our catalogue of similar on-demand CLEs (https://bit.ly/BarCTFDT). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 01:21 Overview of Tokenization and Congressional Hearing 02:21 Detailed Explanation of Tokenization 05:09 Legislative Proposals and Industry Perspectives 07:33 Distinguishing Tokenization from Cryptocurrency 10:26 Goals and Benefits of Tokenization 16:41 Use Cases and Practical Applications 24:30 Fundamental Principles and Regulatory Concerns 33:38 Permissioned vs. Permissionless Blockchains 39:31 Tokenizing Securities and Technological Challenges 43:22 Stable Coins, CBDCs, and Financial Inclusion 48:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

An increasing number of states are enacting policies hostile to LGBTQ youth, like book bans and restrictions on participation in sports. Even in states like New York where there is greater state-level support for LGBTQ rights, similar policies aimed at stifling those rights have emerged at the local level. Amy Leipziger (Project Director, Free to Be Youth Project), Ashton Hessee (Legal Fellow, Free to Be Youth Project) and Gabriella Larios (Staff Attorney, NYCLU) of the City Bar’s LGBTQ Rights Committee unpack the damage to psychological and physical health that these bans and the anti-LGBTQ culture that they promote can have on LGBTQ youth – kids who are navigating the same developmental challenges as their peers while being saddled with these additional burdens. Amy, Ashton and Gabriella also speak to how queer and trans youth – and their parents and caregivers – can understand their rights and understand how to advocate for their rights in school. All three share stories from the frontlines of litigating against these bans, and share insights on the most effective strategies for pairing litigation with grassroots community organizing. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3zp9tfd Access NYCLU’s “Your Rights as an LGBTQ Student” resource here: https://bit.ly/4euK6aC Want to learn more about the changing state of the law governing transgender athletes' participation in sports? View the City Bar’s on-demand CLE program “Transgender Athletes: Title IX and the Dynamic Legal Landscape” (https://bit.ly/4gITn0v). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Introduction and Back-to-School Reflections 02:27 Challenges Faced by Students and Schools 04:06 Transgender Rights and School Policies 16:14 Impact of Discrimination on Mental Health 19:15 Statistics on LGBTQ+ Student Experiences 33:08 Community Support and Advocacy 46:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Presidential Task Force on AI and Digital Technologies members Wendy Butler Curtis and Robert Mahari are joined by Cai GoGwilt, founder of Ironclad, to discuss the power and potential of Agentic AI. Their conversation explores the definitions, capabilities, and notable limitations of the emerging Large Language Models. Building on Forbes’ “intern” analogy, the co-hosts highlight the ways in which Agentic AI can enhance productivity across several fields with its hyperintelligence and adaptability to complex tasks. Curtis, Mahari and GoGwilt conclude with thoughts on its future development, ethical considerations of its usage, and anecdotes of their most interesting encounters with these tools. If you’re interested in learning more about artificial intelligence, join us for related programs at the City Bar, including the UN Summit of the Future: International Regulation of AI on November 4 (https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=TFDT110424) and the Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: An Overview of Laws, Policy, and Practices webinar CLE on November 6 (https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=_WEB110624). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI 05:14 Defining Agentic AI 08:11 Rapid Fire Q&A 09:07 Capabilities and Limitations of Agentic AI 13:55 Open Source and Future Prospects 21:26 AI's Limitations in Legal Contexts 22:01 Debating AI's Reasoning Capabilities 26:02 Practical Applications of AI in Various Industries 28:24 AI in Legal Practice: Current and Future Uses 31:47 Ethical Considerations and Professional Responsibility 32:34 Optimism and Concerns About AI's Future 40:10 Engaging with Generative AI: Practical Tips 41:56 Best and Worst Uses of Generative AI 45:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special episode we hear the Hon. Jed S. Rakoff – Senior Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of New York – deliver a speech to the Association entitled "The U.S. Supreme Court’s History as a Regressive Institution." Judge Rakoff’s speech is part of City Bar’s Benjamin N. Cardozo Lecture Series, which is inspired by the legacy of Benjamin N. Cardozo "and his love for the law, passion for justice and sympathy for humanity." First presented in 1941, previous speakers in the series have included Robert H. Jackson, Felix Frankfurter, William O. Douglas, Earl Warren, William J. Brennan, Jr., Marian Wright Edelman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, among many others. Judge Rakoff was introduced by Judge Raymond Lohier, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after a welcome from City Bar President Muhammad Faridi.

In this podcast hosted by the City Bar Presidential Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, Alona Katz, Chief of the Virtual Currency Unit at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, alongside a panel of experts, discusses the growing issue of cryptocurrency investment scams, specifically 'pig butchering,' which one guest describes as “ a confidence scam and a romance scam and an investment scam all wrapped into one.” The panel includes Inspector Osvaldo Nunez from the New York City Police Department; Kristen Spaeth, Manager on the Global Intelligence Team at Coinbase; Jonathan Scharf, Deputy Chief of Major Economic Crimes at the Queens County District Attorney's Office; and Adrian Cheek, a disruption expert. They share insights on current trends, investigation techniques, and strategies for effective disruption and seizure of assets. The group emphasizes education as a key tool for inoculating the public to these scams, the importance of public-private sector collaboration, and proactive measures to prevent scams and protect victims. If you’re interested in learning more about cryptocurrency and law enforcement trends, join us for the City Bar’s Crypto Institute on March 11 (https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=INS031125). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Welcome 00:38 Meet the Experts: Introductions 05:37 Understanding Pig Butchering Scams 12:45 Law Enforcement's Perspective 22:52 Local vs. Federal Response 29:22 Private Sector Insights: Coinbase's Role 31:53 Transaction and Blockchain Analysis 32:54 Law Enforcement Collaboration 33:42 Coinbase's Protective Measures 34:35 Scam Detection Techniques 36:35 Tech Against Scams Coalition 37:28 Disruption Strategies in Investigations 40:12 Domain and Wallet Analysis 43:34 Advice for Law Enforcement 54:04 Future of Cryptocurrency Crime Units 55:45 Final Thoughts and Collaboration

Muhammad Faridi, City Bar President, interviews Jethro Eisenstein, a key figure in the creation of the NYC’s Handschu Committee in response to NYPD "Red Squad" activities in the 1970s and 80s. Jethro shares the history of the Handschu litigation, a landmark case initiated in 1971 that imposed significant oversight on the NYPD’s investigation of political groups. Jethro recounts the origins of the case, the challenges that the Committee has faced through the years, and the evolution of legal oversight mechanisms over decades, including a post-9/11 revival. He reflects on his career and the impact of the Handschu guidelines on civil rights and police accountability. 01:37 Meet Jethro Eisenstein: A Legal Luminary 02:25 The Handschu Litigation: Origins and Impact 02:50 Jethro's Journey to Law and Early Career 08:14 The Red Squad and Political Surveillance 09:56 The Panther 21 Trial and Its Aftermath 12:29 Drafting the Handschu Complaint 25:57 Litigation Challenges and Class Action Certification 29:03 Settlement and the Handschu Authority 40:50 Post-9/11 Changes and Legal Battles 47:12 Revelations and the Role of the Civilian 53:20 Jethro's Legacy and Final Thoughts

Some states and municipalities, including New York State, are considering laws that would ban the practice of onychectomy, the surgical declawing of cats. At this program, advocates in favor of and advocates opposed to the New York bill discuss its potential impact on animals and veterinarians in New York. Speakers: Benjamin L. Hart, Animal Behaviorist and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis Dr. Jenny Conrad, Founder and Director, The Paw Project Dr. Eileen Jefferson, New York State Representative, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Director of New York State Legislative Affairs, The Paw Project, Owner/Founder, Ethical Veterinary Moderator: Jane Hoffman, Member, Animal Law Committee Sponsoring Association Committee: Animal Law Committee, Lori Barrett-Peterson, Chair

In many of the world’s most destabilized areas, the grand theft of pillage is a regular and frightening occurrence. Poaching of ivory and theft of minerals to fund armed groups and the destruction of religious sites and cultural heritage have been well documented. This program discusses the many pillage crimes currently being committed and the restrictions on such pillage in domestic and international law, including the Rome Statute and U. S. Dodd Frank Act. Speakers: Carly Oboth, Policy Advisor, Global Witness Holly Dranginis, Senior Legal Analyst at The Sentry Jimmiel Mandima, Program Officer, African Wildlife Foundation Karen Mosoti, Head of the Liaison Office, International Criminal Court to the United Nations Moderator: Elizabeth Barad, International Law and Gender Consultant, former co-chair of the NYC Bar's African Affairs committee. Sponsoring Association Committee: African Affairs Committee, Victoria Safran and Melanie Claussen, Co-Chairs Co-sponsoring Association Committees: United Nations Committee, Michael Cooper, Chair Council on International Affairs, Martin Flaherty, Chair International Human Rights Committee, Anil Kalhan, Chair Cyrus Vance Center for International Justice

This event addresses the global crackdown on civil society space and the resulting challenges in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. While threats are global, documented in over 100 countries, this event focuses on those experienced specifically in India, Russia/Eastern Europe and the United States. The worldwide trend, which extends beyond authoritarian regimes to democracies in many regions, includes new laws restricting or prohibiting protest and other forms of political activism; direct targeting of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders; and regulatory and funding obstacles aimed at non-profit organizations. Discussion addresses restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression in the United States in the context of a worldwide pattern of shrinking space for civic engagement and dissent. The speakers also share resistance strategies activists and human rights defenders are using to counter this crackdown. Speakers: Sukti Dhital, Deputy Director, Robert L. Bernstein Institute for Human Rights Melissa Hooper, Director, Human Rights and Civil Society, Human Rights First Baher Azmy, Legal Director, Center for Constitutional Rights Moderator: Judge Sidney H. Stein, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York Sponsoring Association Committee: International Human Rights Committee, Anil Kalhan, Chair Co-Sponsoring Association Committees: Asian Affairs Committee, Angus Ni, Chair Council on International Affairs, Martin Flaherty, Chair European Affairs Committee, Victor Muskin, Chair Task Force on Independence of Lawyers & Judges, William August Wilson III, Chair Task Force on National Security & the Rule of Law, Mark Shulman, Chair United Nations Committee, Michael Cooper, Chair

Hear the First Lady of New York City discuss ThriveNYC, a program intended to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues and provide New Yorkers with the tools to respond to these challenges. Speaker: Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City Sponsoring Association Committee: New York City Affairs Committee, Jerry Goldfeder, Chair Co-Sponsoring Association Committees: Bioethical Issues Committee, Mary Beth Morrissey, Chair Disability Law Committee, John Egan, Chair Health Law Committee, Kathleen Burke, Chair Lawyer Assistance Program Committee, Hon. Linda Poust Lopez, Chair Mental Health Law Committee, Naomi Weinstein, Chair Mindfulness & Well-Being in Law Committee, Cecilia Loving, Robert Chender and Bjorn Sorenson, Co-Chairs

The dairy industry has made recent legal efforts to stop companies from using the terms “milk” and “cheese” for plant-based foods like soymilk and nut cheeses. The industry claims these product names mislead consumers and cash in on the reputation of animal-derived foods. Plant-based food producers disagree and have called for regulations that expressly let them use these terms for their products. Attorneys representing dairy farmers and plant-based food organizations discuss the issue at this program. Speakers: Nigel A. Barrella, Law Office of Nigel A. Barrella Lorraine Lewandrowski, Lawyer and Dairy Farmer Lori Barrett-Peterson, Chair, NYC Bar Animal Law Committee Moderator: Bari Wolf, Vernon & Ginsburg LLP Sponsoring Association Committee: Animal Law Committee, Lori Barrett-Peterson, Chair

Adam Skaggs, the Chief Counsel of Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, speaks with Ira Feinberg, a member of the City Bar’s Executive Committee and Association Secretary, about the legal issues involved in gun control. This podcast is intended to move the conversation beyond the often misleading political and Second Amendment rhetoric surrounding gun rights to a discussion about Second Amendment law: what the Constitution and the courts actually say about these issues.

Ambassador Dani Dayan discusses the state of affairs in the Middle East and offers a review of Israel’s diplomatic, humanitarian and economic relationships in the international arena. Additionally, Ambassador Dayan addresses the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers his observations on the issue. Ambassador Dayan represents the State of Israel to communities throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he is the first Hispanic Consul General of Israel in New York. The Public Affairs Luncheon Series features speakers who address matters of public interest. The luncheons provide a forum to enable members of the City Bar to network, socialize and discuss matters of interest. The luncheons are open to the public. Speaker: Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York Sponsoring Association Committee: Senior Lawyers Committee, Barry Bloom, Chair

The program provides an overview of what is sometimes an intimidating process, breaks it down to basics, and provides attendees with an understanding of what is necessary to run for office in New York City. The panel covers topics ranging from evaluating for which offices you are qualified to run, the mechanics of petitioning, the administrative process of filing and defending your petitions at the Board of Elections, and an overview of why and how petitions wind up the subject of court battles. There is also information on a candidate's responsibility to comply with Campaign Finance law, and a review of best practices for setting yourself up for a successful experience with those filings. Speakers: Martin E. Connor, Private election law practitioner, 30 years in the NYS Senate, former NYS Senate Minority Leader, Chair of City Bar Election Law Committee Sarah K. Steiner, Private election law practitioner, Former Chair of City Bar Election Law Committee Douglas A. Kellner, Co-Chair, New York State Board of Elections Raphael Savino, Deputy General Counsel, Board of Elections in the City of New York Sponsoring Association Committee: Election Law Committee, Martin E. Connor, Chair

City Bar Senior Policy Counsel Maria Cilenti speaks with Vickie Neilson, Chair of the City Bar’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, about the immigration court system and concerns over changes in procedures that could speed up the deportation process at the expense of due process and the independence of immigration judges.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gives the keynote address at the New York City Bar Association’s 7th Annual White Collar Crime Institute on May 9, 2018.

This panel features a discussion of three developments in federal social welfare policy under the Trump administration: (1) work requirements imposed on SNAP recipients; (2) work requirements imposed on Medicaid recipients; and (3) anticipated regulatory changes to “public charge,” which would prevent non-citizens from obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status for using (or their U.S. Citizen dependents using) a broad range of government benefits and services, many of which function as work supports for low-wage workers, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and subsidized health insurance. The panel examines these reforms in the historical context of welfare reform, including its emphasis on work requirements and the exclusion of immigrants, look at the recent Executive Order and legislative proposals on work rules and discuss strategies for addressing the changes, including litigation. Speakers: Jamila Michener, Assistant Professor, Department of Government, Cornell University David A. Super, Professor, Georgetown University Law Center Mara Youdelman, Managing Attorney, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), D.C. Office Jackie Vimo, Economic Justice Policy Analyst, National Immigration Law Center Lynn D. Lu, Clinical Professor, CUNY School of Law Katharine Deabler, Staff Attorney, National Center on Law & Economic Justice Moderator: Susan Welber, Chair, Social Welfare Law Committee; Staff Attorney, The Legal Aid Society, Civil Practice Law Reform Unit Sponsoring Committee: Social Welfare Law Committee, Susan Welber, Chair Co-Sponsoring Committees: Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, Victoria Neilson, Chair International Human Rights Committee, Anil Kalhan, Chair Civil Rights Committee, Philip Desgranges, Chair Pro Bono and Legal Services, Alison King and Amy Barasch, Co-Chairs Co-Sponsoring Organizations: City Bar Justice Center New York Immigration Coalition The Legal Aid Society Make the Road NY

Part 1: Introduction And Morning Plenary Sexual Harassment & the Law: A Call to Action for Lawyers in the Era of #MeToo Introduction: Roger Juan Maldonado, President, New York City Bar Association Speakers: Commissioner Carmelyn Malalis, S. Jeanine Conley, Carrie Goldberg, Andrea Johnson, Cynthia Lowen, LaDonna Powell, Elizabeth Saylor ------------------------------- This program provided a morning plenary addressing the changing legal landscape in the wake of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements and a luncheon discussion around sexual harassment within the legal profession. In addition, break-out CLE sessions covered: An Overview of Employer Best Practices for Investigating, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Challenges and Strategies for Low-Wage and Immigrant Workers in Reporting Harassment #MeTooAcademia: Special Considerations When Litigating Employment Discrimination Cases on Campus Jurisdiction in Sexual Harassment: Where Criminal, Administrative, and Regulatory Remedies Intersect

Part 2: Jurisdiction in Sexual Harassment- Where Criminal, Administrative, and Regulatory Remedies Intersect Sexual Harassment & the Law: A Call to Action for Lawyers in the Era of #MeToo Panel: Christin Damiano, A.D.A. Jennifer Gaffney, Hollis V. Pfitsch, Council Member Keith Powers, Electra Yourke Questions: How should a victim of sexual harassment choose where to report? When sexual harassment is severe, it may violate criminal law, such as sexual abuse, forcible touching, and unlawful surveillance. What constitutes a violation of the NYC Human Rights Law with regards to sexual harassment in the workplace. When and how can a victim of sexual harassment report to the EEOC, and what does that process look like? Explanation of recent legislation passed by NY City Council to expand statute of limitation and jurisdiction for sexual harassment complainants. ------------------------------- This program provided a morning plenary addressing the changing legal landscape in the wake of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements and a luncheon discussion around sexual harassment within the legal profession. In addition, break-out CLE sessions covered: An Overview of Employer Best Practices for Investigating, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Challenges and Strategies for Low-Wage and Immigrant Workers in Reporting Harassment #MeTooAcademia: Special Considerations When Litigating Employment Discrimination Cases on Campus Jurisdiction in Sexual Harassment: Where Criminal, Administrative, and Regulatory Remedies Intersect

Part 3: Challenges and Strategies for Low-Wage and Immigrant Workers in Reporting Harassment - Where Criminal, Administrative, and Regulatory Remedies Intersect Sexual Harassment & the Law: A Call to Action for Lawyers in the Era of #MeToo Speakers: Danielle Alvarado, Daniela Contreras, Rebecca Nathanson, Hon. Laura Safer Espinoza, Marrisa Senteno, Cristina Velez Topics: Sexual harassment in agricultural work and how to prevent What does sexual harassment look like in domestic workplaces and what rights do domestic workers have that differ from workers in other settings? What is a U visa and how may someone who has been a victim of workplace sexual harassment be eligible? Explanation of anti-retaliation provisions under New York State wage and hour law, and NYDOL’s U visa certification policy. ------------------------------- This program provided a morning plenary addressing the changing legal landscape in the wake of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements and a luncheon discussion around sexual harassment within the legal profession. In addition, break-out CLE sessions covered: An Overview of Employer Best Practices for Investigating, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Challenges and Strategies for Low-Wage and Immigrant Workers in Reporting Harassment #MeTooAcademia: Special Considerations When Litigating Employment Discrimination Cases on Campus Jurisdiction in Sexual Harassment: Where Criminal, Administrative, and Regulatory Remedies Intersect

City Bar Senior Policy Counsel Maria Cilenti speaks with Jen Kim, Co-Director of the Immigrant Justice Project at the City Bar Justice Center, and Caitlin Miner-Le Grand, the City Bar Justice Center’s Fragomen Fellow about immigration and the border.

On September 4, 2018, the New York City Bar Association and the New York Law Journal co-hosted an "Evening with the Candidates" Forum for the Democratic Attorney General Primary Candidates. The candidates covered a wide range of issues, from immigration and ICE in the courts, corruption, and consumer protection, to criminal justice reform, health care, and income inequality. From left: Roger Juan Maldonado (Moderator), President, New York City Bar Association; Candidates: Leecia Eve, Vice President, Government Affairs, Verizon; Letitia James, New York City Public Advocate; Sean Patrick Maloney, U.S. Representative for New York's 18th Congressional District; and Zephyr Teachout, Associate Professor of Law, Fordham University; Susan DeSantis (Moderator), Deputy Editor-in-Chief, New York Law Journal.

In New York City, there are hundreds of men and women on the sex offender registry who are subject to the Sexual Assault Reform Act (SARA) residency restriction, which prevents them from living within 1,000 feet of a school. This little-known restriction has created enormous constitutional problems. Because our densely-populated city contains virtually no residences that comply with this restriction, prisons are holding these people past the length of their prison sentences if there is no SARA-compliant housing available – a time period that usually extends longer than a year. This event on September 11, 2018 addressed the history and policy behind the residency restriction, the impact of SARA on people who have committed sex offenses, and the legal challenges being made on behalf of people affected by SARA. Panelists: Michael Burke, Hodges Walsh Messemer & Burke, LLP Bill Dobbs, Publisher, Dobbs Wire, newsletter about sex offense law and policy; Advisor, Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource Center at Mitchell Hamline Law School Emily Horowitz, Professor and Chairperson, St. Francis College, Sociology and Criminal Justice Department Susannah Karlin, Licensed Social Worker, Center for Appellate Litigation Robert Newman, Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice, Special Litigation Unit Greg Williams, The Fortune Society Moderator: Camilla Hsu, Appellate Counsel, Center for Appellate Litigation Sponsoring Association Committee: Criminal Justice Operations Committee, Sarah J. Berger, Chair Co-Sponsoring Organization: New York Sex Offense Working Group

On October 4, 2018, the New York City Bar Association presented Honorary Membership to Loretta Lynch, former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Roger Juan Maldonado, the City Bar's President, gave welcome remarks and Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto, United States District Court Judge, Eastern District of New York, and Chair, Honors Committee, introduced Loretta Lynch and presented her with the award.

Jeh Johnson served as Secretary of Homeland Security from December 2013 to January 2017. Secretary Johnson was responsible for the federal government’s response to many of our nation’s most pressing issues, including immigration; cybersecurity; Russian interference in the election; counterterrorism; natural disasters; nuclear, chemical and biological threats; and the protection of critical infrastructure and the nation’s leadership. At the City Bar's Public Affairs Luncheon on October 9, 2018, Secretary Johnson reflected on his leadership experiences and shed light on the latest headlines.

Pet food is a multibillion-dollar industry and has a significant impact on our current food system. Many humans consider themselves to be “pet parents” or “pet guardians” instead of “pet owners” which may have contributed to the growth in this industry. This program reviewed federal, state and local authority to regulate pet food and the relevant statutes. The program also discussed what information is mandatory on pet food labels and whether this information is meaningful to consumers. The program also focused on recent marketing trends in the pet food industry, such as holistic, natural, and organic pet foods, and what these terms even mean in the pet food context. Recent pet food recalls, including the 2007 melamine scandal, and the impact of failures in pet food regulation on human health was also discussed. Panel: Ellen Fried, Adjunct Professor, NYU Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Mary Alestra, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau, NYS Attorney General’s Office Moderator: Bari Wolf, Vernon & Ginsburg LLP and Member, Animal Law Committee Sponsoring Association Committee: Animal Law Committee, Christopher Wlach, Chair Co-Sponsoring Association Committee: Consumer Affairs Committee, Darren Bowie, Chair

In 1994, the UN Commission on Human Rights noted the increasing frequency of attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers, and court officials as well as the link which exists between the weakening of safeguards for these officials and human rights violations. In response, the Commission appointed a Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to investigate and report on these attacks. The current Special Rapporteur, Professor Diego García-Sayán discussed his current role and work with attendees. This work includes his yearly report to the United Nations, examinations into judicial corruption, ideas on current international legal standards, efforts to update those standards so that they remain applicable in the face of new challenges to the legal and judicial professions, as well as both oversight and enforcement mechanisms. Panel: Diego Garcia-Sayan, UN Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges Lawyers William A. Wilson III, Chair of the Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges Sponsoring Association Committee: Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges, Lawyers William A. Wilson III, Chair Co-Sponsoring Organization Committee: Council on International Affairs, Michael D. Cooper, Chair International Human Rights Committee, Lauren Melkus, Chair

On October 22, 2018, the City Bar’s Labor & Employment Law Committee held a program on how the evolving treatment of marijuana under the law affects the workplace. Learn how legalization of medical and recreational marijuana affect rights and obligations under the ADA, FLMA, and more. Speakers: George Schwab, Kraus & Zuchlewski LLP Anne Dana, Seyfarth Shaw LLP Jay Jaffe, 1199 SEIU Moderator: Hanan Kolko, Meyer Suozzi English & Klein P.C. Sponsoring Committee: Labor & Employment Committee, Katherine Greenberg, Chair

Re-legalization of cannabis for general adult use in New York City has never been closer, but how ready is the most populous metropolitan area in the United States - and the country’s largest urban cannabis market for commercial manufacture, delivery, home cultivation and over-the-counter sale of cannabis? On November 1, 2018, the City Bar’s Drugs & the Law Committee held a panel discussion examining the legal and policy changes that will be necessary in order to make a safe and orderly transition from a criminal market to a viable regulated market. Speakers: Axel Bernabe, Assistant Counsel, Governor Cuomo for Health Steven Epstein, Founding Partner, Barket, Epstein, and Kearon LLP Jerome Levy, Partner, Duane Morris Joseph Levey, Founding Partner, Helbraun & Levey Donovan Richards, New York City Council Member Preston Niblack, New York City Deputy Comptroller for Budget Moderator: Kristin Jordan, Chair, Cannabis Practice Group, Newman Ferrara LLP

Focused on New York City’s schools grades K-8, panelists on November 8, 2018 discussed the history of school segregation and integration efforts; diversity pilots and plans; school admission screens, G&T programs, and their potential for desegregation; accountability, legal constraints, and best practices. Whether you are an education advocate, parent, practitioner, public official, student, or concerned citizen, this exciting and thought-provoking conversation is packed with information you will want to know. Speakers: Matthew Gonzales, Director, School Diversity Project, New York Appleseed Richard D. Kahlenberg, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation Brad Lander, Member, New York City Council Emmy Liss, Chief of Staff, Div. of Early Childhood Educ. & Student Enrollment, NYCDOE Dennis D. Parker, Director, Racial Justice Program, ACLU Moderator: Clara Hemphill, Founder and Editor, InsideSchools

The presidential election first scheduled for 2016 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and then for 2017 never took place. The election is now scheduled to take place on December 23, 2018. The Prime Minister has said that President Kabila will not run again, and he will abide by the constitutional limits. The delayed elections spurred anti-Kabila marches and protests, led by laity of the Catholic Church and youth activists. The government has cracked down on this opposition, harassing, arbitrarily arresting, detaining, injuring, and killing protestors. Many still remain in detention despite increasing health problems. The panelists examined the way forward for the DRC and the role opposition leaders, youth activists, the Catholic Church, and duly-elected officials can play in strengthening civil society. Speakers: H.E. Ambassador François Nkuna Balumuene, The Democratic Republic of the Congo Ambassador to the United States--Invited Tatiana Carayannis, Director of the Social Science Research Council’s Understanding Violent Conflict Research Initiative and convener of the DRC Affinity Group Sasha Lezhnev, Deputy Director of Policy at the Enough Project Kambale Musavuli, Human Rights Activist and Spokesperson for Friends of the Congo Moderator: Elizabeth Barad, Esq., International Law and Gender Consultant Sponsoring Association Committee: African Affairs Committee, Victoria Safran, Chair Co-Sponsoring Association Committees: United Nations Committee, Simon O’Connor, Chair Council on International Affairs Committee, Michael D. Cooper, Chair International Human Rights Committee, Lauren Melkus, Chair Co-Sponsoring Organization: Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, Alexander Papachristou, Executive Director

On December 3, 2018, experts discussed the legal issues relating to the First Amendment and freedom of speech. Topics included the scope and limits of First Amendment protection for certain types of speech, whether by news and media outlets, on school campuses, via social media, or as part of public protests. The program covered the current state of the law and recent developments. With an eye toward contributing to the public understanding of this complex area of law, it focused on the legal issues and on identifying and addressing the areas where legal line-drawing either is fairly easy or remains difficult and uncertain. Opening Remarks: Roger Juan Maldonado, President, New York City Bar Association Panel: Alex Abdo, Senior Staff Attorney, Knight First Amendment Institute Floyd Abrams, Senior Counsel, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP Daniel J. Kornstein, Partner, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP Carmelyn P. Malalis, Chair & Commissioner, NYC Commission on Human Rights Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, New York Law School Moderator: Jamal Greene, Dwight Professor of Law, Columbia Law School Sponsoring: New York City Bar Association City Bar Justice Center City Bar Office for Diversity & Inclusion Co-Sponsoring Association Committees: Civil Rights Committee, Philip Desgranges, Chair Federal Courts Committee, Laura Grossfield Birger, Chair Communications & Media Law Committee, Katherine M. Bolger, Chair Legal History Committee, Daniel J. Kornstein, Chair