Law is an ever-evolving field. As technology changes the way we live, the legal landscape shifts and new ideas take hold. One concept that is making waves among law firms is “law new.” It’s not always easy to define but it’s generally understood to mean providing legal services in a different way than was previously done. It can encompass everything from working with underserved communities to creating strategies that aren’t part of a firm’s core practice.
BILL: A proposal for a law, submitted to the legislature for consideration. Bills may originate from many sources including a senator’s own idea, an organization that calls for a new law, or a State official. The process of developing a bill is called legislative drafting, and it requires specialized training. Once a bill is drafted, it can be passed through the legislative chambers and, if signed by the Governor, becomes a law known as a statute.
The Governor has 10 days to sign or veto bills that pass both houses of the Legislature. Signed bills become law; vetoed bills remain in effect unless two-thirds of the members of each house vote to override the Governor’s veto. The Legislature also has its own rules of procedure, which are compiled and codified in the New York Consolidated Laws and published in the Rules of the Legislature.
Law new isn’t a practice area that is suited to everyone, but it is an idea worth considering and that all lawyers should pay attention to. It’s about thinking outside the box and using a client’s needs to create legal strategy. It’s about finding ways to deliver legal services more efficiently and effectively than before.
NYU Law students, faculty and alumni gathered for social and academic events during Reunion weekend April 19-21. A highlight of the week was the performance of Bar-bie, a satirical play about the law school experience. The play was a project of the Environmental Justice Laboratory (EJL), an initiative that brings law students and professors into the community to address pressing social justice issues. The EJL is co-sponsored by LACA and the Center for Gender, Sexuality & Constitutional Law. The program is supported by a grant from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. For more information, see the EJL website.