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

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February 09, 2023 | New York Law Journal

GOP Senator Sues to Force Senate Vote on LaSalle's Nomination for Chief Judge

The lawsuit warns of the dangers of a six-judge court that may be prone to deadlock on key issues.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

February 08, 2023 | New York Law Journal

'Chilling Effect': NY Court System Head Warns of Rising Threats Against Judges

Acting Chief Administrative Judge Tamiko Amaker said that incidents have increased 40% from 2020 to 2022.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

February 07, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Lawmakers Grill Court Official on Ex-Chief Judge's Security Detail, How Cannataro Was Chosen to Succeed Her

"I think the public and frankly my colleagues deserve to know who actually cast the votes for whom?" Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal asserted.

By Brian Lee

8 minute read

February 06, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Five-Year Contract Gives 13% Increase, Signing Bonus, to Thousands of Court Workers

The CBAs affect all of the nearly 15,000 non-judicial employees who are represented by unions, as well as employees who are designated as management or confidential by the Public Employment Relations Board, OCA spokesman Lucian Chalfen said.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

February 03, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Legal Observers Concerned About Prolonged Vacancy on New York's Top Court

The court can either wait until there are seven judges or, if necessary, summon a judge from the appellate division or state supreme court to cast a deciding vote.

By Brian Lee

6 minute read

February 03, 2023 | New York Law Journal

NY State Bar Urges Separation of Bail Reform Rollback From Budget Talks

The measure—which the NYSBA expressed deep concern over—merits its own discussion and should not be tied up with the mammoth negotiation over the state's spending plan.

By Brian Lee

2 minute read

February 02, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Adirondacks Nonprofit Hires Environmental Attorney Who Helped It Win Historic Lawsuit

Claudia Braymer helped the group overcome a state plan to cut down 25,000 trees to build a connector snowmobile trail in the Adirondacks.

By Brian Lee

10 minute read

February 01, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Executive Budget of $227 Billion Includes Assigned Counsel's First Pay Raises in 20 Years

An unanswered question is whether budget approval will be impacted by lingering hostilities in the wake of the recent rejection of Gov. Kathy Hochul's chief judge nominee.

By Brian Lee

8 minute read