38 | September/October 2022 | BAEC Bulletin
The Offices of Attorneys for Children Present: Introduction to the Effective Representation of Children
The Attorneys for Children (AFC) Program invites members of the Bar Association of Erie County to apply for our introductory training webinar on October 17, 18, and 19, 2022. Applications will be accepted until October 7. AFC represent children of all ages, primarily in Family Court matters. They are compensated by New York State at the rate of $75/hour. Although the rate of compensation is modest, payment is guaranteed, and many AFC find the work to be extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally. Most AFC are solo or small firm practitioners. Like assigned counsel work, AFC
assignments can be a great way to build your own practice.
Attorneys must apply to attend the training, and we are happy to work with those who need help obtaining the required Family Court experience. Click this link to view agenda, application, and memo: https://eriebar.org/attorneys-for-children-program- presents-introduction-to-the-effective-representation-of- children/. •
Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts: 2022 Hearings on Pandemic Practices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Upcoming Hearings and Listening Sessions Western New York Hearing : October 6, 2022 • 9:30 AM • Old Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 Remote Listening Sessions: Various Dates and Topics The Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts announces two additional public hearings, to be held in Buffalo and New York City, as part of its series of statewide hearings to evaluate the technology, practices, and policies adopted by the state courts in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Commission is conducting a thorough and multi-dimensional review through its Pandemic Practices Working Group (PPWG) in order to make recommendations to the Unified Court System regarding the adoption of practices implemented during the pandemic that will benefit the administration of justice in New York State courts going forward. The Commission also will be hosting a series of Remote Listening Sessions. A full listing is available on the Public Hearings’ webpage. In addition to soliciting testimony at these public hearings, PPWG will review existing surveys, data, and reports, inside and outside of New York State, as well as solicit written submissions. PPWG seeks input from all stakeholders of New York’s courts, including litigants, the bar, legal services providers, judges, court staff, community groups, law enforcement, judicial and bar associations, and other government and non-government entities. The review addresses the pandemic experience in all types of New York courts, including civil and criminal courts, appellate courts, family courts, surrogate’s courts, housing courts, and town & village courts. PPWG will create a comprehensive report for submission to the Commission, and ultimately to the Chief Judge, on the efficacy of the pandemic measures implemented. The report will offer recommendations on (1) which measures should be carried forth and made part of permanent court practice and procedure, and (2) which measures should be memorialized for use in future
instances where court operations are significantly impacted by disruptive events like the Covid-19 pandemic. The report will also provide recommendations on the appropriate methods for implementation of these changes, such as legislation, rule changes, policy/practice guidelines, and deployment of resources. Hon. Craig J. Doran, Chair of the PPWG, will be joined on the hearing panels by Henry M. Greenberg, Esq., Chair of the Commission, along with members of the Working Group. About These Hearings: The pandemic suddenly and dramatically changed the operations of New York’s state courts. Some of these changes positively impacted litigants and increased the court’s efficiency. Others presented ongoing challenges, especially to members of vulnerable communities and those who serve them. These public hearings seek input from interested and knowledgeable individuals, organizations, and other entities about which measures adopted during the pandemic should be carried forth post-Covid, either on a permanent basis or in the event of a future crisis. Those who testify at these hearings will have the opportunity to be heard by a panel of judges, court officials, and others who effect, or are impacted by, change in the operation of the New York State Courts. The Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts was established by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore in June 2020. Comprising a distinguished group of judges, lawyers, academics and technology experts, the Commission’s mission is to research, analyze and make innovative proposals for the justice system of the future. •
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