Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York, addresses the most important issue for the future of our justice system: amending Article VI of the New York State Constitution to simplify our inefficient, outdated trial court structure.

Lawrence K. Marks, Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System, examines how Chief Judge DiFiore's plan to streamline the state's court system will allow for a far more equitable allocation of resources and caseloads among the trial courts, enabling the more efficient and expeditious processing and adjudication of cases.

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, addresses concerns about judicial diversity and the Chief Judge's court consolidation proposal, noting the advancements we have made thus far, explaining how the proposal has the potential to positively impact diversity, and urging those who question its impact to make specific proposals that would further increase judicial diversity while streamlining the state's antiquated, labyrinthian court structure.

Alan Scheinkman, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, examines the explosive growth of the Department and opportunities for reform that could help alleviate its large caseload.

Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department, provides an update on access to justice in rural communities, writing that court simplification will ameliorate some of the challenges rural attorneys currently encounter.

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, focuses on the benefits court consolidation could have for upstate communities, both at the trial and appellate court levels.

Henry M. Greenberg, President of the New York State Bar Association, discusses highlights of the Annual Meeting, which will celebrate the beautiful mosaic of people and experiences that is New York state.

Scott Karson, President-Elect of the New York State Bar Association, describes some of the efforts the association has undertaken to increase diversity in leadership and membership.

Andre R. Jaglom, Chair of the NYSBA Business Law Section, describes how the section's programs bring experts in each field and federal and state regulators to educate members.

Laurel R. Kretzing, Chair of the NYSBA Commercial and Federal Litigation Section, writes about how the section is looking to the future, a theme that is carried forward in its Annual Meeting programs, which focus on developing litigation technologies and new and emerging issues that litigators must be prepared to address.

Tara Anne Pleat, Chair of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section, discusses the importance of delineating those who are qualified to provide advice in this arena in order to protect the public interest and to protect the integrity of the legal profession.

Howard Tollin, Chair of the NYSBA Environmental and Energy Law Section, discusses the section's focus on drinking water quality, including at an upcoming program being planned for March.

Eric A. Tepper, Chair of the NYSBA Family Law Section, discusses how matrimonial attorneys and judges have grappled with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act over the past year.

Barbara J. Harris, Member of the NYSBA Labor and Employment Law Section, writes about new laws and pending proposals in New York state, which may finally surpass California for top-billing as the most pro-employee state.

Robert M. Harper, Chair of the NYSBA Trusts and Estates Law Section, discusses Article 13-A of the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law, New York's digital assets legislation.