Brian Lee

Brian Lee is an Albany-based litigation reporter for the New York Law Journal. He has worked at daily newspapers in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @bleereporter

Connect with this author

January 22, 2024 | New York Law Journal

In Guidance, NY Bank Regulator Stresses Ensuring Directors' Character, Fitness

The Department of Financial Services' guidance follows its regulatory takeover of New York-based Signature Bank in March, citing emerging weaknesses in corporate governance before its collapse.

By Brian Lee

2 minute read

January 19, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Top Judicial Conduct Lawyer Says Watchdog Agency's Budget Needs Are Being Left Unmet

"This shouldn't be a matter of a budget dance," said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, D-Manhattan.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

January 19, 2024 | New York Law Journal

'Long Overdue': NY Executive Budget Would Bolster Mental Health Courts

The state's initial call for additional supports for New York's mentally challenged in fiscal 2025, including $6.2 million to provide mental health…

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

January 18, 2024 | New York Law Journal

NY Governor Includes Judicial Security Measure in 2025 Budget

Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal—which gives new impetus to a delayed measure—drew praise on Thursday from Judge Mary M. Farley, president of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

January 18, 2024 | New York Law Journal

NY Bill Aims to Increase Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Interest Lawyers

The bill, S4511B/A1568C, aims to expand the cap on what public defense lawyers, attorneys who work for civil legal services organizations, and district attorneys can receive in student-loan forgiveness: up to $8,000 annually, for up to eight years, or $64,000.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

January 17, 2024 | New York Law Journal

New York Lawmakers' Bill Would Create Separate Housing Court

In addition to creating a housing court part to reduce a monthslong backlog of cases, the bill would also provide free legal assistance for small landlords who suffered losses from unpaid rent.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

January 16, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Senate Judiciary Advances Judicial Conduct Transparency Bill

Also during the Senate Judiciary Committee's first meeting of the 2024 session, it approved a bill that would lift the cap on state supreme court judges.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

January 12, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Lawsuit Asks US Judge to Halt Second Phase of NY's Cannabis Rollout

According to the complaint, both applicants satisfied every requirement for inclusion in New York's "Extra Priority" batch of applicants, except for their residencies.

By Brian Lee

2 minute read