New York City Bar Association podcast

31:24

Every day, New Yorkers are involuntarily committed to hospitals and mental health facilities for psychiatric treatment. But what happens when a patient wishes to be released from a hospital or refuses medication? In this podcast, we are joined by Hon. W. Frank Perry to discuss Mental Hygiene Proceedings, a little-known area of the law designed to resolve disputes between mental health patients and the facilities responsible for treating them. In this discussion, Judge Perry describes his transition from a Supreme Court Justice in the General Assignment Part to his current role as the sole Judge presiding over Mental Hygiene Proceedings throughout New York County. This open and honest conversation explores Judge Perry’s experience with helping people at their most vulnerable moments, the tension between protecting individual rights of patients and ensuring that they are not a threat to themselves or others, and the procedure for carrying this out. We hope that this discussion can shed some light on a legal process that affects thousands of New Yorkers every year. Want to learn more about practice in New York’s mental hygiene courts? You can access the City Bar’s on-demand CLE program "Better Served by Treatment": Practicing in the Mental Health Courts 101: https://bit.ly/452oUXY Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming CLE programs and events as well as on-demand CLE content.…

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Mindful Lawyering Episode 7 – Compassion in the Law 35:13

17 days ago35:13

35:13

Sara Walsh and Elizabeth Pyjov discuss the critical role of compassion in the legal field. Elizabeth shares her extensive background in compassion training, her experiences living in diverse cultures, and how these shaped her understanding of human suffering. Together, they delve into the definitions and science of compassion, the eternal role of the arts in processing suffering, and practical ways to cultivate compassion. They emphasize that a compassionate approach can significantly improve lawyers' well-being and their professional interactions, ultimately leading to a more just and thriving society. If you’re interested in incorporating mindfulness and well-being into your practice, join the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee for a Mindfulness Break, Yoga for Lawyers, or its next Book Club. More information about the committee and its upcoming events is available here. 02:09 Elizabeth's Journey: From Literature to Law 07:16 Defining Compassion in the Legal Profession 07:32 The Science Behind Compassion 14:12 Compassion vs. Common Misconceptions 17:24 The Role of Compassion in Legal Practice 19:15 Cultivating Compassion and Self-Compassion 27:12 The Impact of Compassion on Lawyers and Society 28:41 Final Thoughts and Call to Action 34:18 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources…

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Building Belonging Returns for Season 2! - Back to Our Roots: What Is DEI, Really? 51:41

30 days ago51:41

51:41

Today the City Bar Podcast brings you an episode from its sister show, Building Belonging, a podcast of the City Bar's Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Building Belonging is launching a new season that brings listeners into the heartfelt, uncertain, messy, hopeful discussions that capture the work of DEIB on the ground as the landscape shifts and changes. In the first episode of Building Belonging season two, ODIEB dives deep into the fundamental question: What is DEI really? With the haters circling and pushback in full force, a lot of people are returning to this question to understand how to move justice forward. The team explores their individual journeys into DEI and what it means to them. As Eli puts it, this conversation seeks to address 'what DEI is, what it is not, where it is going, and who our allies are,' clearing up misconceptions and providing a nuanced understanding of essential concepts. Tanya highlights the innate human essence of DEI, saying, 'At its core, it is one of the most innate and human things that we have.' Angie drives home the practical importance of DEI: 'It's everything that makes the world more accessible to everyone.' By offering their personal insights and discussing the broader significance of DEI, the team aims to inspire listeners to open their eyes to new opportunities and get involved in this transformative work. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE BUILDING BELONGING PODCAST IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE!!!!…

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How Microsoft AI Is Expanding Capacity for DACA Clinics with the North West Immigrant Rights Project 52:37

10 weeks ago52:37

52:37

Microsoft is mobilizing generative artificial intelligence technology to address the access to justice gap in the United States. In partnership with the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP), they have built a collaborative initiative, ‘LUZ,’ to streamline and scale the DACA renewal process for Dreamers. The City Bar Presidential Task Force on AI and Digital Technology’s Ray Brescia hosts Malou Chávez, Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project (NWIRP), and Microsoft’s Global Pro Bono Manager Adrian Palma and UX/UI designer Amae Kurre to talk about the access to justice gap that inspired the project, the role of tech in making legal services more efficient, and the essential nature of human oversight in AI-driven legal processes. Want to learn more about how AI and digital technology are being mobilized to close the digital divide in access to justice? You can access the City Bar’s Artificial Intelligence Institute on demand: https://bit.ly/4j3lCYQ Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming CLE programs and events as well as on-demand CLE content. 01:19 The Evolution of Legal Technology 01:55 Introduction of ChatGPT and Generative AI 03:17 The Impact of AI on Legal Services 03:45 Microsoft's Pro Bono Initiative: LUZ 05:02 Challenges Faced by NWIRP 07:50 The Role of Technology in Legal Clinics 13:28 The Development and Design of LUZ 24:48 Human Oversight and AI Integration 26:26 Scaling the Initiative and Future Prospects 42:48 Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Security 48:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action…

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Mindful Lawyering Episode 6 – Caregiver Fatigue 52:08

12 weeks ago52:08

52:08

In this episode of Mindful Lawyering we explore the emotional, mental, and physical toll of caregiver roles, particularly in the legal profession, and share practical strategies for managing stress — including seeking support, realigning priorities, and practicing self-compassion. Jordana Confino, a former practicing attorney and founder of JC Coaching and Consulting, is joined by Robbie Margolius, Director of Wellbeing at Arnold and Porter. The episode concludes with a self-compassion meditation led by Nancy Batterman, Deputy General Counsel at NYC's Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development. Sneak Peak: “41 percent of parents say that most days they're so stressed they can't function. And 48 percent say that their stress is completely overwhelming. But compared to other adults, that level is at 20%.” “I think so many of us, especially lawyers, believe that if it doesn't hurt, it's not working. If we're not burning the candle at both ends, we're not being productive. If we're not pushing ourselves to our breaking point, we’re not doing enough. Because that's how we've been doing it. That's how we've been operating for so long.” “ We're talking about getting help from others and helping other people, but it's really also important to think about the connection between our self care and the care that we can provide for others. So it's that oxygen mask scenario. You've got to put on your oxygen mask first in order to help other people.” Resource: Parents Under Pressure – The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents: https://bit.ly/41CkWSC If you’re interested in incorporating mindfulness and well-being into your practice, join the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee for a Mindfulness Break, Yoga for Lawyers, or its next Book Club. More information about the committee and its upcoming events is available here: https://www.nycbar.org/committees/mindfulness-well-being-in-law-committee/ Outline: 00:00 Introduction to Mindful Lawyering 00:33 Meet the Hosts: Jordana and Robbie 01:20 Personal Caregiving Stories 03:48 Understanding Caregiver Fatigue 09:15 The Legal Profession's Unique Challenges 14:13 Strategies for Managing Caregiver Fatigue 23:24 Seeking Help and Building Support Systems 30:48 Practical Self-Care Tips 34:18 Final Thoughts and Self-Compassion Exercise…

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The Treatment Court Expansion Act: A Bridge to Recovery, Health & Safety 38:35

13 weeks ago38:35

38:35

Our latest episode is brought to you by the City Bar’s Mass Incarceration Task Force. Tess Cohen, Chair of Task Force, discusses the Treatment Court Expansion Act, formerly known as the Treatment Not Jail Act, with guests Jeffrey Berman, a mental health attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Manhattan, and Mark Graham, founder and executive director of the Redemption Center. They explore the legislation's goal to expand treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental health issues, substance use disorders, and other disabilities. The discussion covers the bill's potential to reduce recidivism, the role of diversion courts, and the broader societal impact of addressing mental health and substance use issues within the community. Join the coalition at treatmentnotjail.com and advocate for change in our community. If you want to learn more about sensible legislative solutions to the treatment of people who are incarcerated in New York, read the Mass Incarceration Task Force’s reports on the Treatment Court Expansion Act (https://bit.ly/43ETNRw) and the Communities Not Cages Act (https://bit.ly/4htf57U) and view the City Bar’s Legislative Agenda (https://bit.ly/3DuhGAL) to learn more about how you can participate in advocacy that supports passage of these proposals in the New York State Legislature. 00:00 Overview of the Treatment Court Expansion Act 00:39 Meet the Experts: Jeffrey Berman and Mark Graham 01:29 Understanding the Legislation 02:39 Existing Criminal Justice Framework and Challenges 05:26 Expanding the Treatment Court System 06:47 The Importance of Removing Guilty Plea Requirements 11:53 Personal Stories and Advocacy 19:12 The Impact of Incarceration on Mental Health 22:12 Public Safety and Mental Health 26:07 The Cost and Benefits of Treatment Courts 28:33 Current Status and Future of the Treatment Courts Expansion Act 30:56 How Listeners Can Help 37:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

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Pakistan’s 26th Constitutional Amendment and Political Influence on Pakistan’s Judiciary 50:04

13 weeks ago50:04

50:04

Salahuddin Ahmed, a constitutional lawyer and expert from Pakistan, visited the City Bar Middle East and North African Affairs Committee to discuss the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan and its impact on the independence of the Supreme Court and the Rule of Law. For a brief background on how the 26th Amendment attempts to subjugate the judiciary to the present regime in Pakistan, read the statement of the International Commission of Jurists: https://www.icj.org/pakistan-26th-constitutional-amendment-is-a-blow-to-the-independence-of-the-judiciary/ At least two Senators said in television interviews that they were compelled to vote for the Amendment after being kidnapped and having their family members kidnapped. The inducements and coercion adopted during the process were widely reported in Pakistani media and even raised in Parliament. For example, see: https://www.nation.com.pk/18-Oct-2024/senators-seek-end-to-coercion-to-get-vote-on-judicial-reforms The preliminary problem with this legal challenge will be - who hears this petition? Will it be the Supreme Court as it existed prior to the Amendment or can it now only be the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court specially selected for this purpose by the post-Amendment Judicial Commission (which, post-Amendment, has a majority of political appointees and a minority of judges)? The subsequent challenge is whether courts should ever be involved in determining the validity of constitutional amendments (even if clearly aimed at undermining democracy or the rule of law) or whether it must always be left to the political process? In the past, the judiciary in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh have declared they have the power to strike down constitutional amendments if Parliament attempts to subvert the democratic essence of the Constitution by eliminating fundamental rights or the independence of judiciary. If you enjoyed this podcast, watch Hon. Athar Minallah, Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, address the City Bar alongside City Bar President Muhammad U. Faridi, Kabir Hashmi of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, and special guest Hon. Rowan Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of New York. Justice Minallah spoke about the role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability and promotion of the rule of law, and the dangers of judicial overreach and activism. Video of the event is available here: https://www.nycbar.org/videos/the-independence-of-the-judiciary-and-rule-of-law-in-pakistan/?back=1&ref=media…

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Analyzing President Trump’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence 1:02:02

14 weeks ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jerome Walker, co-chair of the Presidential Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, leads a discussion on President Trump's January 23, 2025 executive order: Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. The episode features insights from Nikhil Aggarwal, Harut Minasian, and Nichole Sterling on the implications of reversing President Biden's AI policies. Key discussions include the roles of federal and state regulations, the balance between innovation and safety, and the international landscape of AI regulations. Nikhil, Harut and Nichole also explain foundational principles like explainability, transparency, and fairness in AI models, and assess how stakeholders should navigate these regulatory changes. Additionally, the episode delves into practical examples of AI applications in national security and offers strategic advice for market participants over the next four years. If you’re interested in learning more about cryptocurrency and regulatory treatment of digital financial technology, join us for the City Bar’s Crypto Institute on March 11 (https://services.nycbar.org/Institute/ and available thereafter on-demand). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/removing-barriers-to-american-leadership-in-artificial-intelligence/ 00:22 Overview of President Trump's Executive Order on AI 02:34 Panelist Introductions 05:47 Understanding AI Models 08:01 AI in National Security 10:13 Impact of Executive Orders on AI Stakeholders 14:24 Legal Advice for AI Stakeholders 30:59 State Responses to Federal AI Policies 35:00 International AI Regulations and US Leadership 56:11 AI Action Plan and Key Principles 01:00:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks…

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Analyzing President Trump's Executive Order on Digital Financial Technology 53:05

16 weeks ago53:05

53:05

Two legal experts, Tiffany Smith from WilmerHale and Stuart Levi from Skadden Arps, analyze President Trump's January 23rd, 2025 Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology. They compare it with President Biden's previous executive order, discussing the balance between innovation and risk, potential impacts on the digital assets industry, regulatory clarifications, and international competition. The experts also emphasize the need for balanced, cautious optimism while engaging with both federal and state regulators. If you’re interested in learning more about cryptocurrency and regulatory treatment of digital financial technology, join us for the City Bar’s Crypto Institute on March 11 (https://services.nycbar.org/Institute/ and available thereafter on-demand). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/strengthening-american-leadership-in-digital-financial-technology/ 00:29 Overview of President Trump's Executive Order 06:36 Discussion on Regulatory Environment 09:47 Advice for Stakeholders and Lawyers 22:24 State-Level Responses to Executive Order 28:28 International Perspective on Digital Assets 33:17 Policy Debate on Digital Asset Laws 37:23 Comparing Biden and Trump Administration Approaches 40:17 Future of Digital Asset Regulation 51:46 Conclusion and Closing Remarks…

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Mindful Lawyering Episode 5 – Intro & Dimensions of Attorney Well-Being 36:41

17 weeks ago36:41

36:41

This episode of the New York City Bar Association comes to you from the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee. Host Scott Mason and committee Chair Aimee Latorre delve into the dimensions of wellbeing, Aimee’s personal journey with mindfulness, and the profession’s current crisis of mental health, attrition, and substance abuse. They also discuss the six dimensions of wellbeing defined by the ABA, and the additional two by the New York State Bar Association. Aimee highlights practical steps individuals and organizations can take to foster a culture of wellbeing and the positive impact it has on ethical and competent legal practice. If you’re interested in incorporating mindfulness and well-being into your practice, join the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee for a Mindfulness Break, Yoga for Lawyers, or its next Book Club. More information about the committee and its upcoming events is available here: https://www.nycbar.org/committees/mindfulness-well-being-in-law-committee/ Visit nycbar.org/events to find all the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 01:14 Personal Stories and Mindfulness Practices 03:10 Challenges in the Legal Profession 07:55 Defining Wellbeing and Mindfulness 08:56 Dimensions of Attorney Wellbeing 21:51 Practical Steps for Improving Wellbeing 25:21 Upcoming Events and Getting Involved 28:44 Conclusion and Meditation…

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Liabilities and Remedies for AI: Charting New Territory 46:11

17 weeks ago46:11

46:11

Our latest episode from the Presidential Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies surveys an emerging landscape of legislation around AI liabilities and remedies. David Lisson (Davis Polk), Clint Morrison (Patterson Belknap), Shayne O'Reilly (Meta), Matt Bacal (Davis Polk), and Rama Elluru ( Special Competitive Studies Project) unpack regulations from state, federal and international bodies covering topics such as disclosure and transparency, kids' safety, deep fakes, non-consensual intimate imagery, and intellectual property. They also touch upon the significant penalties under the EU AI Act and the broader themes emerging from these legislative efforts, emphasizing the balance between innovation and regulation. If you’re interested in learning more about how artificial intelligence will affect the legal world, check out the City Bar’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, available on-demand. Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 01:20 Federal AI Laws and Regulations 03:06 Pending AI Bills in the U.S. 14:35 State-Level AI Legislation 32:21 International AI Regulations: The EU AI Act 41:06 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook 45:15 Outro and Additional Resources…

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Economic and Environmental Impacts of State and City Funded Remediation Programs on Environmental Justice Communities in NYC 1:12:14

20 weeks ago1:12:14

1:12:14

The City Bar's Environmental Law Committee hosted a discussion on NYSDEC's Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) and New York City's Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) which encourage private-sector cleanups of contaminated sites and promotes the redevelopment of the sites through economic incentives. We discussed the potential impact these programs may have on environmental justice communities in New York City and also look at various case studies across New York City and their differing perspectives on the topic. Moderator: Heather Leibowitz, Senior Attorney, NYSDEC Region 2 Speakers: George Duke, Vice President, NYC Brownfields Partnership Rebecca Bratspies, Professor of Environmental and Public International Law, CUNY School of Law; Director of the Center of Urban Environmental Reform, CUNY Melissa Checker, Professor of Urban Studies, Queens College; Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, CUNY Graduate Center Barry Hersh, Professor, NYPU SPS Schack Institute of Real Estate…

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Should Lawyers and Judges Be Required to Disclose Their Use of AI? 1:01:04

21 weeks ago1:01:04

1:01:04

To many of us, the answer seems obvious as the AI wave continues to crest. The City Bar Presidential Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies hosts Hon. Xavier Rodriguez, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas, and Maura Grossman, a lawyer and scholar specializing in technology assisted review, to join Task Force member David Zaslowsky in giving that question a closer look. With lawyers filing in court, perhaps we're leaping to conclusions that don't match our experience. After all, lawyers once worried that tech like email would be the end of confidentiality. Then again, when it comes to judges, the risks may be just as high as we think. Research and fact-finding may be one thing, but what about when a judge asks an AI tool to render a legal decision? Judge Rodriguez and Professor Grossman consider many cases and court rules from the past year as we pull apart the surprising nuances of the question: should lawyers and judges be required to disclose their use of AI? If you’re interested in learning more about how artificial intelligence will affect the legal world, check out the City Bar’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, available on-demand (https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=OND061024). Visit nycbar.org/events to find all of the most up-to-date information about our upcoming programs and events. 04:06 The Infamous Mata vs. Avianca Case 04:47 Debating AI Disclosure Requirements 06:12 Challenges with Broad AI Regulations 09:13 Judicial Reactions to AI in Legal Practice 11:12 Proposed AI Certification in the Fifth Circuit 19:10 Legislative Overreach in AI Regulation 26:00 Judges Using AI: Ethical and Practical Considerations 34:05 AI in Judicial Decision-Making: Disclosure Dilemma 34:22 A Personal Experience with AI Dispute Resolution 35:52 The Role of AI in Low-Value Claims 36:49 Psychological Anchoring and AI in Courts 37:41 Judicial Canons and AI Usage 39:06 Global Examples of AI in Judicial Decisions 40:17 The Debate on AI's Role in Legal Interpretation 44:40 Judge Newsom's AI Journey 48:56 Concerns and Considerations with AI in Courts 57:30 Encouraging AI Experimentation in the Judiciary 59:40 Conclusion and Future Discussions…

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The Legacy of the Handschu Consent Decree: NYPD Investigations of Political Activity 52:24

22 weeks ago52:24

52:24

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…

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Law & Order & Cryptocurrency Scams 1:01:48

25 weeks ago1:01:48