Legal Practice Issues

The Academy is dedicated to advocating for legislative changes that address and resolve practical issues faced by the legal community. We advocate for laws that streamline legal processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the overall efficiency of legal practice. This includes pushing for reforms in court procedures, electronic filing systems, and case management practices.

Legislative Advocacy and Solutions

Targeted Lobbying: The Academy employs full-time professional lobbyists who work tirelessly to represent our members’ interests in the state legislature. They focus on advocating for laws that directly address and solve day-to-day practice issues, ensuring that trial lawyers can operate more effectively and efficiently.
Member-Driven Initiatives: Our advocacy efforts are driven by the needs and feedback of our diverse membership base. By listening to our members, we identify key practice issues and push for legislative solutions that enhance the legal profession.
Collaborative Efforts: We collaborate with other legal organizations and stakeholders to build a strong coalition that supports our legislative goals. This collective approach amplifies our voice and increases the likelihood of achieving meaningful legal reforms.

By focusing on these legislative advocacy efforts, the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers is committed to solving practice issues and enhancing the day-to-day legal practice of its members.

stacks of law books with small scales of justics and gavel in foreground

A969

Relates to the amount of damages recoverable in a cause of action for unlawful interference with protected rights

Relates to the amount of damages recoverable in a cause of action for unlawful interference with protected rights which is up to three times the amount of compensatory damages.

Signed

A975

Relates to certain offenses and provisions related to the unlawful dissemination of a personal image; and relates to a private right of action for such offenses; repealer

Provides for the offense of unlawful dissemination of a personal image and a private right of action for such offense.

Signed

S995B

Relates to the disclosure of beneficial owners of limited liability companies

Relates to the disclosure of beneficial owners of limited liability companies and foreign limited liability companies and certain information about such beneficial owners; requires the secretary of state to maintain a public database of all business entities organized in the state and all foreign business entities with authority to do business in the state.

Signed

A5772

Allows an affirmation by any person, wherever made, in a civil action

Allows an affirmation by any person, wherever made, subscribed and affirmed by that person to be true under the penalties of perjury, to be used in a civil action in New York in lieu of and with the same force and effect as an affidavit.

Support

S2997

Provides that an affirmation of a health care practitioner may be served or filed in an action in lieu of and with same force and effect as an affidavit

Provides that an affirmation of a health care practitioner may be served or filed in an action in lieu of and with same force and effect as an affidavit (changes the current reference in existing provisions from "physician, osteopath or dentist" to "health care practitioner").

Signed

S4516

Relates to violations of nondisclosure agreements in certain settlement agreements

Prohibits settlement agreements in any claim involving sexual harassment or any other form of discrimination prohibited by law from containing any condition that requires the complainant to pay the defendant liquidated damages in the event that the plaintiff violates any nondisclosure agreement included in such settlement agreement.

Signed

Support Access to Justice