NEXT

Brian Lee

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

June 13, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Hochul Signs Six Bills Protecting Persons Needing Abortion Services and Providers

The measures are billed as making New York a "safe harbor" to protect abortion rights if the landmark 1973 Supreme Court opinion Roe v. Wade is overturned.

By Brian Lee

6 minute read

June 10, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Citizens' Group Seeks to Void Repeal and Replacement of NY Ethics Watchdog

New York Supreme Court of Albany County is set to hear oral arguments on June 17.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

June 09, 2022 | New York Law Journal

GOP Lawmakers Propose Recall Process for New Yorkers to Oust DAs

Currently, New York governors have the power to remove a prosecutor for "dereliction of duty." But that is not seen as a realistic option.

By Brian Lee

6 minute read

June 07, 2022 | New York Law Journal

New York Lobbying Act Infringes on First Amendment, Says Lawyer

The case—over an airplane banner to advocate for the Child Victims Act—could upset a major component of lobbying enforcement in New York with respect to grassroots political efforts.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

June 07, 2022 | New York Law Journal

NY State Bar Association President Testifies on 'Inconsistent' Virtual Court Ops During Pandemic

Sherry Levin Wallach said inconsistencies among the judiciary led to a feeling of unease, and increased lawyers' stress levels.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

June 06, 2022 | New York Law Journal

James Pledges to Defend Gun-Violence Prevention Measures Against Challenges

As Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of bills aimed at tamping down a wave of gun violence, including a racist mass shooting in Buffalo, lawyers debated whether they provided a workable solution or were just a "feel-good" series of measures.

By Brian Lee

6 minute read

June 03, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Study Group Set to Begin Review of New York Courts' Pandemic Performance

The court is taking a step back "to reflect upon what we did in those extraordinary months in the beginning of COVID," said one judge. The final report is expect to serve as a playbook in the event of other circumstances that interrupt operation of the court system.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

June 03, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Immigration Lawyers Welcome Clarity and Lessening of Bias Wrought by Court Notification Statute on Hochul's Desk

Under a measure passed by the New York Legislature, judges would reinforce defense counsels' duty to provide individualized advice to their clients and an additional opportunity for individuals to become aware of possible immigration consequences resulting from a plea. The bill awaits the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

June 02, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Lawsuit Demands New York Courts to Make Public 'Secret' Directives to Judges

The lawsuit seeks to vindicate the public's right to know how the New York court system operates and how the OCA influences judicial decision-making, an NYCLU staff attorney said.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

June 01, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Bill to Automatically Certify Older Judges Moves Through NY Legislature

"This is an important bill because of what happened with those judges that were fired a couple of years ago," said bill sponsor, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, D-Bronx, referring to a row that kept dozens of older judges from returning to the bench in 2020.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read