By MATT CHANDLER
mchandler@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1654

The New York State Bar Association announced its schedule of CLE classes for January. It's offering a series of online webinars, in which attendees are eligible to earn CLE credits. Topics to be covered in January include elder law, same-sex marriage and the Freedom of Information Law.

Webinars scheduled this month include:  

Same-sex marriages are now a reality in New York, but myriad legal issues remain for couples contemplating marriage and those who have entered into a marriage, civil union or domestic partnership in another state or country, as well as for couples who married in another jurisdiction but reside in New York. There are open issues as to how or whether certain aspects of New York law will be applied to same-sex couples living in New York, as well as questions regarding the effect of New York same-sex marriages if the spouses seek recognition elsewhere. The session is intended for general practitioners as well as specialists. It's designed to prepare attorneys to give their clients proper advice and counsel on numerous issues, including estate planning, children, dissolution, divorce, taxes, prenuptial agreements and interstate recognition of New York same-sex marriages. This is a recorded webcast video replay of an earlier program.

Credits: 4.5 MCLE credits. Newly admitted attorneys (less than 24 months) are not eligible for credits.

Cost: members $95, nonmembers $195

The recently enacted regulations expanding the definition of "estate" for Medicaid recovery purposes to include assets that pass outside an individual's probate estate represent a "sea change" in the practice of Elder Law. This program features a panel to provide a comprehensive analysis of the new regulations and how they will affect your practice in this area of law. The panel focuses on strategies and techniques for defending and challenging attempted recoveries, remediating existing plans and crafting asset protection plans prospectively under the new regulations.

Credits: 2.0 MCLE credits. Newly admitted attorneys not eligible for credits.

Cost: members $75, nonmembers $175

Speakers will focus on ongoing operational and governance issues and the "best practices" the organization's board, administration and advisers should employ during various stages of the organization's existence. The program will also focus on current "hot topics" that the counselor of not-for-profits must understand. Experienced faculty members will share tips and provide guidance in identifying and addressing the special legal and practical areas of concern to not-for-profits and their members.

Credits: 7.0 MCLE credits. Newly admitted attorneys are not eligible for credits.

Cost: members $125, nonmembers $225

This program will review developments in the Freedom of Information and Open Meeting Laws, concerning access to government information and decision-making, with a focus on recent amendments and case law, as well as issues related to information technology. Examples of ethical considerations and fundamental fairness will be referenced in the discussion of the basis for denying access to records and excluding the public from meetings. This is a recorded webcast video replay of an earlier program.

Program Speaker: Robert Freeman, executive director of the New York State Committee on Open Government

Credits: 3.0 MCLE. Newly admitted attorneys not eligible for credits.

Cost: Members $95, Nonmembers $195

All lawyers are subject to the Rules of Professional Conduct, but ethical problems faced by business/transactional lawyers are different than those arising in a litigation practice and require different solutions. This 4-credit program explores in a practical way three distinct areas where difficult ethical issues regularly confront business lawyers - and representing multiple constituencies, handling conflicts of interest, and managing risk in today's digital, Web 2.0 world. The expert panelists will discuss ethical quandaries and appropriate conduct in the context of specific situations a business lawyer likely confronts in actual practice.

Credits: 4.0 MCLE credits. Newly admitted attorneys not eligible for credits.

Cost: Members $95, nonmembers $195

The practice of estate lawyers transcends will and trust drafting and estate planning to include knowledge of and familiarity with the substance, procedures and customs of litigating key matters in Surrogate's Court. This course will discuss and highlight hands-on litigation strategies and approaches, and the often unique Surrogate's Court rules governing litigation in that court, in probate and accounting contests and in miscellaneous proceedings. Course materials and presentations will review the substantive law governing litigation in Surrogate's Court. Panelists will share their experience and knowledge of the practical and procedural aspects of estate litigation matters. Attention will focus on tactics, motion practice and other practical concerns.

Credits: 7.5 MCLE credits. Newly admitted attorneys not eligible for credits.

Cost: Members $125, nonmembers $225

For more information, visit nysba.org.