New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet and other association leaders met with members of Congress and their staff on March 25 and 26 to discuss several federal issues, including a proposed Department of Justice rule. The meetings took place during the American Bar Association lobby days in Washington, D.C.
The discussions are important as they addressed the Department of Justice proposal that would exempt its attorneys from investigation and discipline by independent bar associations. The meetings also covered funding for the Legal Services Corporation, gun reform legislation, voting rights protections, student loan relief, and access to counsel in immigration proceedings.
Sweet was joined by President-Elect Taa Grays, former presidents T. Andrew Brown and Stephen P. Younger, Executive Committee member Vincent Chang, who is also an American Bar Association Governor, and Federal Policy Consultant Hilary Jochmans. They met with Representatives Jerry Nadler, Laura Gillen, Adriano Espaillat, John Mannion, Paul Tonko; counsels for Democratic Leader Senator Schumer; and staff from Representatives Nicole Malliotakis, Claudia Tenney, and Tim Kennedy. Earlier in March Sweet also met with Representatives Grace Meng and Mike Lawler as well as policy staffers for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
The comment period for the proposed DOJ rule is open until April 6. Sweet submitted comments on March 24 supporting NYSBA’s position against the rule change. She has encouraged all NYSBA members to submit their own comments before the deadline.
Given what they describe as national implications of the proposed rule change regarding DOJ attorney oversight by bar associations, NYSBA leaders also met with Representative Jamie Raskin—ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee—and his staff along with Representative Joe Neguse—assistant Democratic leader—to discuss concerns about the impending regulation.
