As the world evolves, so too does the practice of law. A good attorney must constantly seek new ways to help clients and find strategies that work well for them now and in the future. One concept that is rapidly growing in importance is “law new.” It can be hard to pin down, but it usually refers to the idea of offering legal services through non-traditional means. It can also refer to using different types of lawyers to assist clients and establishing business structures that do not fit the mold of traditional law firm structure.
New York City is embracing law new with some major legislative changes. The mayor has signed a series of bills aimed at helping people with disabilities and promoting transparency. These include a law allowing New Yorkers to file a petition for reconsideration in the event that they are not approved for disability benefits, and laws requiring transparency in the way that public funds are used for hiring practices. These new laws are a good start, but the mayor needs to make sure that they are enforced effectively.
The legislature has also passed a bill to prevent the sale of firearms at schools, and a law to allow for the establishment of public benefit corporations that would assist in the financing of community development projects. Another new law requires City agencies to disclose data breaches involving private information of residents. It also makes City law more consistent with State requirements on this subject.
Other laws enacted this year include a law to protect people from the harmful effects of vaping, and legislation aimed at preventing homelessness among seniors in the City. The City has also expanded the number of people who can serve as an amicus curiae in court cases. A amicus curiae is a person that gives advice to the court about what the law should mean in a case but is not part of the actual lawsuit. The City has also created a new process for filing an ancillary proceeding in Surrogate’s Court. An ancillary proceeding is a case that grows out of another case and asks the court to change something in the original case or its rules.
New Yorkers may have a more difficult time navigating life in the coming year, with many new laws taking effect, including raising the minimum wage to $16 per hour in New York City and Westchester, and $15 per hour in all other parts of the state. In addition, new rules will govern how the City collects data on the availability of housing options for seniors, and more.