New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07860

Introduced
5/9/25  
Refer
5/9/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  

Caption

Authorizes a requirement of pro bono service as a condition of admission to the bar or attorney registration; exempts pro bono work performed pursuant to an agreement with the federal government if the federal government designates the recipients of the pro bono work or type or types or nature of such legal services; provides for the expiration of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Impact

The proposed legislation has the potential to significantly alter the current landscape for law students and practicing attorneys in New York. By instituting a pro bono service requirement, the bill aims to instill a sense of responsibility among new lawyers and promote access to justice for underserved populations. However, the exemption for federal agreements may limit the applicability of this requirement for some candidates who choose to pursue legal work under government contracts, raising questions about the overall impact on pro bono efforts in the state.

Summary

Bill S07860, introduced in the New York Senate, aims to amend the judiciary law regarding pro bono service required for attorneys and candidates seeking admission to the bar. This bill establishes a requirement that candidates must complete a certain number of pro bono service hours as a condition of their application for bar admission. However, it specifically exempts hours worked under agreements with the federal government where the type of legal services and recipients are designated by federal authorities. This allows candidates to fulfill their pro bono obligations while also engaging in federally coordinated legal work.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding Bill S07860 is the balance it seeks to strike between mandatory service and the flexibility given to candidates under federal agreements. Proponents of the bill argue that requiring pro bono service will foster a stronger commitment to public service within the legal profession, thereby enhancing the legal aid available to communities in need. Conversely, critics may argue that the exemption could undermine the bill’s intentions by allowing legal practitioners to bypass their responsibilities under the guise of federal work, potentially diluting the spirit of community service in the evolving legal environment.

Companion Bills

NY A08318

Same As Authorizes a requirement of pro bono service as a condition of admission to the bar or attorney registration; exempts pro bono work performed pursuant to an agreement with the federal government if the federal government designates the recipients of the pro bono work or type or types or nature of such legal services; provides for the expiration of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Previously Filed As

NY A07577

Establishes the hospice and palliative care workgroup; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A07136

Authorizes counties with a population of one million or more persons to undertake certain public works pursuant to project labor agreements; authorizes the use of the alternative delivery method known as design-build contracts; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S08174

Authorizes counties with a population of one million or more persons to undertake certain public works pursuant to project labor agreements; authorizes the use of the alternative delivery method known as design-build contracts; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S08164

Authorizes the town of Chester to impose a five percent hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A09289

Authorizes the town of Chester to impose a five percent hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A08341

Authorizes and directs the office of children and family services to conduct a study on the family assessment response program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S07819

Authorizes and directs the office of children and family services to conduct a study on the family assessment response program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A06556

Authorizes the city of Beacon to impose a hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S06590

Authorizes the city of Beacon to impose a hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S04073

Authorizes the town of Cornwall in Orange county to impose a five percent hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.