General Practice Section

The General Practice Section invites you to browse our web page for information to help you manage your daily practice of law.

One of our primary goals is to enhance the competence and skills of lawyers engaged in the general practice of law, to improve their ability to deliver the most efficient and highest quality legal services to their clients and to enhance the role of general practitioners to provide a medium through which general practitioners may cooperate and assist each other in the resolution of the problems and issues of practicing law.

Meet the Chair
Zachary J. Abella, Esq. 

At a Glance

About | Join | One on One | Section Blog | Member DIrectory Search (members only) | And more!

RESOURCES

NYSBA Committee on Law Practice Management

Visit the Law Practice Management Web page and obtain vital information for yourself and your firm. Its new design is formatted for easy navigation by anyone searching for information on Risk Management, Marketing and Client Development, Disaster Planning and so much more. Links to the LPM Blog, Tip of the Week, Tech Newsletter and Quarterly Newsletter are located on this page as well as a listing of upcoming Law Practice Management CLE programs.

Law Practice Management Vendor Resource Guide

This guide is intended as a resource for our members, to help them find technology products and services which may be useful in their law firms, and is NOT an endorsement of the product, services or systems listed. The New York State Bar Association is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided by the vendors. We hope this tool will be useful to you and welcome your feedback. To access this useful guide click here.

The Report of the Special Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practice June 2009

Checklist For Starting A Practice

Lawyers Assistance Program

The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) provides education and confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, law school students, and immediate family members who are affected by the problem of substance abuse, stress, depression or other mental health issues.  Its goal is to assist in the prevention, early identification and intervention of problems that can affect professional conduct and quality of life.  Visit www.nysba.org/LAP or call 1.800.255.0569.

Committee on Lawyers in Transition

The Committee on Lawyers in Transition  was initially formed to address the challenges faced by attorneys who have left the workplace temporarily, for brief or extended periods, on maternity or paternity leave, or because of family or other obligations, and then wish to return to the workforce after such absences. 

With the growing number of lawyers finding themselves in "transition"  not by choice, the committee’s immediate focus is now on attorneys who have been laid off due to the economic downturn.  

If you are currently unemployed, looking to make a career change, leave your current job or transition back to the workforce after time away from the profession, the Committee on Lawyers in Transition is here to help. 

Visit www.nysba.org/LIT

Jobs and Careers

NYSBA offers a variety of resources for attorneys new to the profession or looking to make a career transition. Use the link below to search for positions, post resumes, or setup e-mail alerts. Employers now have a way to reach the unsurpassed talent of New York attorneys - and the more than 78,000 members of NYSBA.

Visit www.nysba.org/Jobs

Solo and Small Firm Resources

Provided at no cost to NYSBA members, the Solo and Small Firm Resource page offers attorneys a wide variety of tools to establish their solo or small firm and ensure its success. Click here to access information on technology, insurance, finance, human resources and many others. Also available are a variety of downloadable forms that may be customized to meet your firms particular needs.

Join the NYSBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service

The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) has been in existence since 1981. Our service provides referrals to attorneys in 44 counties.  Lawyers who are members of the LRIS pay an annual fee of $75 ($125 for non-NYSBA members). Proof of malpractice insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 is required of all participants.  If you are retained by a referred client, agree to pay the LRIS 10% of the entire fee for any case of $500 or more.

The LRIS staff receives more than 100 calls per day from members of the public seeking legal assistance. These calls are screened by our staff to elicit pertinent information regarding the nature of their legal problem. Callers that would be more appropriately helped by other organizations, such as other bar referral services, legal aid societies, or governmental agencies are given contact information for these offices.

Callers needing the advice of an attorney, and who can afford to pay a private attorney, are referred to LRIS panel members on a rotating basis. They are told to expect a ½ hour in-office $35 consultation fee, and to be sure to mention that they were referred by the New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service.  After the initial consultation the attorney sets their own fees.

Visit www.nysba.org/JoinLR for details on how to join.

NYSBA Pro Bono

For opportunities and awards relating to pro bono service, visit www.nysba.org/ProBono

Legal Links

View NYSBA's Legal Links of Interest page: A comprehensive collection of links to other legal Web sites.

See also:

• The New York State Assembly: Click Here to seach for current New York State bills, New York State laws; check the Legislative calendar, Public Hearing schedules, Assembly calendars and more!
• New York State Office of Court Administration: Visit nycourts.gov for New York State attorney licensing and registration information, MCLE requirements, and more.