Hundreds of lawyers to gather in Albany to address legal issues facing vulnerable New Yorkers

September 19, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association, is leading efforts to enhance legal support for at-risk communities. Brooklyn Eagle photo by John McCarten

Share this:

More than 500 lawyers from across New York will converge on Albany’s Capital Center for the New York State Bar Association’s biennial Partnership Conference. The two-day event, running from Sept. 25-26, will offer over two dozen programs focused on pressing legal issues affecting vulnerable communities, including affordable housing, immigration, and education reform.

The conference will begin with an address by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, who will discuss the importance of highlighting the stories of legal services clients. Expanding civil legal services has been a priority for Wilson during his tenure.

“Under the leadership of Chief Judge Wilson, New York is leading the way in supporting legal services for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said NYSBA President Domenick Napoletano. “Our Partnership Conference builds on that effort by educating lawyers on the most important legal issues that impact at-risk New Yorkers.”

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including racial disparities in traffic stops, homelessness among veterans, and advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities. Other discussions will focus on discharging student loan debt in bankruptcy and expanding special education services.

The conference will also feature awards recognizing exceptional contributions to civil legal services. The Denison Ray Award will be presented to three individuals and one organization, honoring their commitment to providing legal support to those in need. Additionally, the Phil Dailey Award will recognize James Denson, a paralegal with Long Island Legal Services, for his work helping clients navigate Social Security hearings.

On Sept. 16, 2024, Chief Judge Wilson presided over a public hearing at the Court of Appeals Hall in Albany to address New York’s civil legal services gap.

Joined by a panel of legal leaders, including the presiding justices of the Appellate Division and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, the hearing focused on the challenges faced by low-income New Yorkers in areas such as housing and family law. Input from legal experts and affected individuals will inform a report by the New York State Permanent Commission on Access to Justice aimed at improving access to civil justice.