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Questions about the law?

We’ve got answers.

For most people, today’s law is a jumble of legal statutes and court rulings, and can lead to much frustration and many questions for anyone trying to understand it. Now, the New York State Bar Association is offering a series of seminars on today’s most important legal topics, presented in plain language by top legal experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what you need to know on key areas of the law.

Online and Recorded versions of the People's Law School

The New York State Bar Association also is delighted to provide online and recorded versions of last fall's People's Law School programs. Online programs require Windows Media Player® and Adobe Acrobat Reader®. Both programs are available for free download at this web site (just click on the topics below). Online programs are free and include downloadable versions of the seminar materials (handouts) and the coursebook Understanding the Law—A Practical Guide for New York Residents.

NEW!
Saving Your Home From Foreclosure - a video presentation offering practical tips and advice for homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure

Download the free pamphlet Saving Your Home From Foreclosure (PDF)


The People’s Law School Fall 2005 Seminar Topics

Fall 2005 Semester Topic
(click on topic to open program)

Date Recorded

Speaker(s)

You and Your Lawyer, addresses some of the myths and misconceptions about the legal profession, and includes discussion of: (1) how to find a lawyer; (2) what to expect in terms of financial arrangements with your attorney; and (3) the Client’s Bill of Rights

Dec. 6, 2005

A. Vincent Buzard, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, and Steven C. Krane, Esq., Proskauer Rose LLP, NYC

Matrimonial Law, including grounds for divorce, models for representation and child custody; an overview of the financial issues namely, child support, maintenance and equitable distribution

Nov. 15, 2005

Florence M. Fass, Esq., Fass & Greenberg, LLP, Garden City, and Charles P. Inclima, Esq., Biernbaum Inclima & Meyer, LLP, Rochester

Civil Law Suits, including such situations as your rights if you suffer an injury due to automobile accident or an injury on the job; what to expect if you are being sued

Nov. 22, 2005

Mae A. D’Agostino, Esq., D'Agostino, Krackeler, Baynes & Maguire, P.C., Albany; Henry G. Miller, Esq., Clark Gagliardi & Miller, White Plains

Wills and Estate Settlements, including discussion about planning your Will and related documents and the process involved in the settlement of your estate - the Surrogate Court process of probate and administration. What happens with property when someone dies, either with a will (testate) or without one (intestate)

Nov. 29, 2005

Margaret Z. Reed, Esq., Law Office of Margaret Z. Reed, Delmar, and Carl T. Baker, Esq., Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth P.C., Glens Falls

Criminal Law and Traffic Violations, including what to do if you or a family member is arrested; what to do if you are pulled over by a police officer for a traffic offense

Dec. 13, 2005

Peter A. Gerstenzang, Esq., Gerstenzang O'Hern Hickey & Gerstenzang, Albany

The People's Law School Spring 2006 Seminar Topics

Spring 2006 Semester Topics

Date Recorded

Speaker(s)

Labor and Employment Law will cover rights to a job versus New York's employment-at-will doctrine; discrimination and harassment in the workplace; privacy issues; acceptable rules and procedures governing wages, benefits, overtime, comp time and pay; discipline; the disabled employee; collective bargaining and the right, if any, to strike.

May 2, 2006

Michael R. Cuevas, Esq., Chairman, Public Employment Relations Board, Albany; Ronald G. Dunn, Esq., Gleason, Dunn Walsh & O'Shea, Albany; Laura M. Purcell, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester

Real Estate Ownership and Rental, including such topics as buying or selling a home; landlord/tenant issues; eminent domain; and challenging a real property tax assessment

May 9, 2006

Karl B. Holtzschue, Esq., Law Office of Karl B. Holtzschue, NYC; Dorothy H. Ferguson, D.H. Ferguson, Attorney, P.L.L.C., Rochester; and Edward Baer, Esq., Belkin Burden Wenig & Goldman, LLP, NYC

Contracts and consumer law issues, including basic banking accounts; overdraft protection; refund anticipation loans; payday loans (cash advances); predatory (abusive) residential mortgage loans; how to safeguard your personal information to make it less likely that you become a victim of identity theft; overview of the variety of laws that offer specific privacy rights; and steps to take if you become a victim of identity theft.

May 16, 2006

Barbara Kent, Esq., Director of Consumer Affairs and Financial Products, New York State Banking Department, New York City, Maurice R. Padula, Senior Consumer Frauds Representative, Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau, Office of the Attorney General, in Albany and Amy D. Schallop, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Affairs Division, Albany

Elder Law, including such topics as wills, living wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney; guardianships, trusts, long-term care planning, long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid

May 23, 2006

Cora A. Alsante, Esq., Hancock & Estabrook LLP, Syracuse, and Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP, NYC

An Overview of the Judicial and Legal System, covering the organization and jurisdiction of the various courts in New York State; sources of law; federal courts; the role of the judiciary; administrative proceedings and regulations

Jun 20, 2006

Prof. Patrick M. Connors, Albany Law School, Albany ; Hon. Victoria A. Graffeo, New York Court of Appeals, Albany

Recorded versions are available for purchase through the NYSBA online store (with secure online ordering) or by calling the Bar Center at (518) 463-3724.

Other Recorded Programs from The People's Law School

Topic Date Recorded Speakers

The Divorce Process In New York, a 40 minute video prepared by the Committee on Public Service of the Association’s Family Law Section, provides an overview of the divorce process in New York and covers the major issues that may arise in a divorce case: How To Find a Lawyer; Grounds for Divorce; Custody/Access – The Children; Child Support; Maintenance; Equitable Distribution; and Domestic Violence.

 

September 6, 2006

 

 

 

 

The narrator is Mr. Len Cariou. Star of stage and screen, Mr. Cariou has appeared in the theatrical productions of Applause, Proof, and Sweeney Todd, for which he received the 1979 Tony Award for Best Actor in a musical. His movie credits include The Boynton Beach Club, About Schmidt, Thirteen Days, and The Four Seasons. Mr. Cariou has also appeared on television in such shows as The West Wing, The Practice, Law & Order, and Murder She Wrote.