NYSBA President Sherry Levin Wallach Outlines Goals in Miranda Warnings Podcast
6.1.2022
Sherry Levin Wallach, the newly sworn-in president of the New York State Bar Association, outlined the goals of her term during a 36 minute podcast with NYSBA General Counsel and Past President David Miranda.
In episode 110 of “Miranda Warnings,” Wallach says the two major issues facing the association are with membership and looking ahead to the future of legal practice in New York. She asks what will law look like in a post-pandemic New York and how can members work to improve the profession?
While taking continuing law education courses online has been a convenience during the pandemic, Wallach says we have lost so much in personal relationships and mentoring. To combat this, she is embarking on a cross-state tour visiting local bar associations and affinity bars from Binghamton to Plattsburgh, Buffalo to Brooklyn. She hopes to learn which issues confront the local bars and how the state association can be a partner and a resource for them.
The issue of mental health care for both client and attorney will be a focus during her administration. The Task Force on Mental Health and Trauma Impacted Representation will look at gaps in support for those needing mental health care, expansion of services and treatment.
Wallach is also focusing attention on the insular cases dealing with rights to citizenship and federal benefits for those living in US territories. The Task Force on the U.S. Territories will look at the outdated turn of the 20th century rulings that are the basis for current law. In her discussion with Miranda, she called the 1901 decision filled with deeply racist language.”
Lastly, President Wallach will organize a Task Force on the Modernization of Criminal Practice, looking at issues such as sentencing reform and greater access to diversion or treatment courts. The task force will also look at attempts to modernize the state courts with e-filing and virtual appearances.
