November 20, 2012

STATE BAR ASSOCIATION REMAINS OPPOSED TO NONLAWYER OWNERSHIP OF LAW FIRMS

The New York State Bar Association has continued its long-standing opposition to nonlawyer ownership of law firms by approving a report that concluded that nonlawyer ownership should not be permitted in New York State at this time.

The Association’s House of Delegates, at its November 17 meeting, approved the recommendations contained in a 115-page report issued by the Task Force on Nonlawyer Ownership. Former State Bar President Stephen P. Younger of New York City (Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler) chaired the task force.

“Clients, attorneys and the legal community are best served when the financial interests of lawyers and nonlawyers remain separate,” said State Bar President Seymour W. James, Jr. (The Legal Aid Society in New York City). “After careful consideration of this issue, the State Bar Association continues to believe that, at this time, nonlawyer ownership of law firms would have a negative impact on the practice of law in New York state.”

To read the entire press release, click here.