Month: August 2011

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Tribute and Remembrance: Asian Americans After 9/11

Tribute and Remembrance: Asian Americans After 9/11

From AAARI/CUNY:

Commissioned by the Asian American Federation in 2003, Tribute and Remembrance documents the extensive effects the 9/11 tragedy had on the Asian American community, by examining the economic impact of Chinatown, the toll on taxi cab drivers, INS deportation of Muslims, the mental health impact and 3 victims’ family stories. In addition, it highlights some of the philanthropic efforts of the Asian American community following the tragedy.

This screening and lecture is scheduled for Sept. 9. For full details follow the link in the title.

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NYCLA Task Force Issues Report on Impact of Budgets Cuts on SDNY

Here’s the text from NYCLA’s press release on this important issue:

CONTACT: Anita Aboulafia 212 267-6646 ext. 225 [email protected]

NYCLA Task Force Concludes Judicial Budget Cuts on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York May Heighten Security Risks 

NYCLA Task Force suggests lack of funding has negative effects on court operations.  

 New York, NY – August 26, 2011 – The New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA) Task Force on Judicial Budget Cuts, focusing on the effects of budget cuts on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, released a Preliminary Report that concludes security may be at risk at the Daniel P. Moynihan Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street and overall courthouse operations will be affected as a result of anticipated personnel reductions. 

 “The NYCLA Preliminary Report documents the effect that budget cuts had on the court this current year and will have in fiscal year 2012,” said NYCLA President Stewart D. Aaron. “The Southern District of New York is the Mother Court, the oldest district court in the country.  It is important that the Congress and President Barack Obama pay particular heed to the effect of budget cuts in the Southern District, not only because of the impacts on that court, but also because they are emblematic of the issues faced by federal courts around the country.”

 The Preliminary Report, released on August 25, includes a detailed letter from Chief Judge of the Southern District of New York, Hon. Loretta A. Preska, noting that fundamental security issues identified in September 2002 have never been addressed due to budgetary considerations. According to the Report, “The courthouse is an obvious terrorist target and has an average of 2,500 visitors or more per day.”

 Highlights from the report include:

  • Lack of funding has resulted in delays in construction of a visitor’s screening pavilion outside the Moynihan Courthouse public entrance and delays in the relocation and protection of the air intakes.
  • Fiscal year 2011 saw budget cuts of 7.6%, resulting in reductions in non-personnel spending.
  • Further budget reductions are anticipated for fiscal year 2012, which may require non-judicial personnel reductions of up to 15%. 
  • In the event of a shutdown, “non-essential” personnel would be furloughed. 

“Security at the Courthouse and the safety of Court personnel, attorneys and the public are matters of paramount concern that should be addressed immediately,” said Michael McNamara, chair of the Task Force’s Federal Courts Subcommittee.

 Hon. Stephen G. Crane and Michael Miller, co-chairs of the Task Force, stated, “As this report demonstrates, the Federal Court has not been immune to budget cuts.” The Task Force plans to conduct a more in-depth investigation over the next several months, which will include sponsoring a public hearing at NYCLA in the fall, and the preparation of a more comprehensive report on the impact of the budget cuts on the administration of justice. 

About the New York County Lawyers’ Association

The New York County Lawyers’ Association (www.nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as the first major bar association in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Since its inception, it has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence and has continuously played an active role in legal developments and public policy.

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NYCLA CLE: Affidavits in Lieu of Testimony on 9/20

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Anita Aboulafia 212 267-6646 ext. 225 [email protected]

First-of-Its-Kind CLE Program on Using Affidavits in Lieu of Direct Testimony at Trial on September 20

August 23, 2011 – New York, NY – The New York State–Federal Judicial Council, the Second Circuit Judicial Council and the New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA) are co-sponsoring a first-of-its-kind CLE program on the use of affidavits in lieu of direct testimony at (bench) trial. The program takes place on September 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York, 9th Floor. Please note that due to the (very) large number of registrants to date, a live feed of the panel discussion will also be viewable in the jury assembly room on the ground floor at 500 Pearl St., and if necessary, also in Courtrooms 9A and 9B in the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street. CLE credit will be awarded for those who attend in any of these venues.

The program is free for attorneys who are admitted to practice in the State of New York; participants will receive two Professional Practice credits. Because space is limited, please register no later than September 8 (by 2:00 p.m.) on the Second Circuit Judicial Council’s website, http://ww2.ca2.uscourts.gov/cle/Login.aspx.

The practice of substituting affidavits for direct testimony at bench trials is becoming more widespread in courtrooms across the country. NYCLA recently recommended that this practice be implemented in New York’s intensely busy Family Court; it is already in place in the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court and it is prevalent in federal courts. Lawyers who attend this CLE event—the first ever to discuss the use of affidavits in lieu of direct testimony—will gain valuable insight into this practice from a distinguished group of judges and practitioners.

Professor Jane Spinak of Columbia Law School will moderate. Panelists include: the Honorable Richard M. Berman, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; the Honorable Laura E. Drager, New York State Supreme Court, Civil Branch, New York County; the Honorable Douglas E. Hoffman, New York State Family Court (Manhattan); Susan Bender, Esq., of Bender Rosenthal Isaacs & Richter LLP and past President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York; and John J. Kerr, Esq., of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Light refreshments will be served at the event.

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Law Office in Woolworth Building with Fantastic Lower Manhattan/ East River View!

Law firm seeks a long term tenant. The office suite – in fact the entire 20th floor – were built out brand new by the landlord during this summer. Windowed office with separate, adjacent paralegal cubicle in a shared law firm suite on the 20th floor of the Woolworth Building. The office has ten foot high ceilings and two large windows facing east with spectacular views of the East River, City Hall, Manhattan Bridge and lower Manhattan. The paralegal station is furnished with professional L-shaped desk, chair and hutch/cabinetry.

The suite makes available:
· Reception Area
· Kitchenette
· Conference Room Use
· High-Speed Internet and VoIP Telephone
· New Copy Machine
· Security System

Asking: $2,500/month with first month’s rent and security due upon lease commencement.

Please send inquiries to:
Guerrero Yee LLP
Attn. Rio Guerrero
[email protected]
T (646)545-5000

From AABANY Immigration and Nationality Law Committee Co-Chair Rio Guerrero.