Department of Government Relations

The New York State Bar Association’s Government Relations department is an integral part of the core mission and activities of the Association. The department works closely with the Continuing Legal Education (CLE), press, and membership departments as well as the many Sections, Committees and Task Forces of the Bar.

The department interacts with the Executive and Legislative branches of state government in Albany, as well as Congress and the Administration in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the legislative priorities of the Association. The legislative priorities are developed in consultation the Legislative Policy Committee, with input with the Association’s Task Forces, Sections and Committees.

NYSBA members have unique insight into the practice of law that can meaningfully shape state and federal policy. The department serves as a resource for those members looking to get involved in the legislative process in the following ways:

• Assists sections and committees in recommending a policy issue to be adopted as an Association-wide state or federal legislative priority;
• Provides key stakeholders and elected officials with support or oppositional memoranda drafted by sections and committees commenting on pending legislation;
• Assists sections and committees in developing affirmative legislative proposals, a new piece of legislation;
• Facilitates communication between members, and the legislative and executive branches;
• Tracks and notifies members of legislation that is relevant to their practice area, and
• Serves as a general resource regarding NYSBA’s legislative procedure and the state and federal legislative process.