NYSDA UPDATES

NYSDA, CDANY, NYSACDL Advocate for Public Defense Funding and Reforms
On Feb. 9, 2021, the Chief Defenders Association of New York (CDANY), New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL), and NYSDA engaged in a Defender Lobby Day. Forty defenders and supporters met virtually with legislators and staffers in support of budget appropriations for NYSDA, the Indigent Parolee Representation Program, Aid to Defense, and the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services. The groups also advocated for the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and assigned counsel (18-B) attorney fee increases. Links to support memos on many of the issues can be found in the February 22nd edition of News Picks.

NYSDA Testifies at State Budget Hearings Seeking Critical State Funding
Executive Director Susan Bryant testified at a State Legislative Budget hearing on Feb. 10, 2021, requesting a renewal of the legislature’s appropriation for its Public Defense Backup Center that provides legal and technical assistance, training and resources for hundreds of defenders. On Feb. 9, 2021, NYSDA Veterans Defense Program Deputy Director Roy M. Diehl testified in support of a renewal of the legislature’s appropriation for this program which assists justice-involved veterans. Their testimony is noted in the February 22nd edition of News Picks. To support NYSDA’s budget requests, please contact Anne Rabe at arabe@nysda.org.

ILS Director Leahy Announces Retirement, Successor is Sought
On Feb. 12, 2021, the Director of the Indigent Legal Services Office (ILS), William J. Leahy, announced that he will be retiring on the first of June. NYSDA wishes Bill all the best, and thanks him for the extensive work of the past ten years! On Feb. 22, 2021, ILS added the job posting for the position on their website. The independence of ILS, and of its Director, is crucial to ensuring the quality of representation offered to public defense clients across New York State. NYSDA is helping to provide wide dissemination of the job notice; as noted in the February 22nd edition of News Picks, "Leahy’s selection came after a national search. NYSDA urges the ILS Board to again look broadly for the ideal candidate for this vital position." The ILS Director must, by statute, "have a demonstrated commitment to the provision of quality public defense representation and to the communities served by public defense providers." Exec Law 833(2)(c).

Oppose Racism Year Round
At the close of Black History Month, we echo the statement by Chrishana White of Brooklyn Defender Services, which includes this: "Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honor, reflect, and pay tribute to the rich accomplishments and history of Black people who built this country, from ordinary people to historical icons. This celebration and recognition should not be relegated to one month, but should be a daily practice." The statement stresses the need to acknowledge and struggle against ever present racism in our work AND to "remember to celebrate Black joy, art, culture, and love."

NYSDA is committed to a year-round effort to end the systemic racism that the history of New York and the country have set in place. We encourage public defense programs, individual lawyers, and all visitors to our website to examine the resources on our Racial Justice and Equity webpage.

We also support efforts to end racism and discrimination throughout the legal system. Having issued a statement welcoming the “Report from the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the New York State Courts” last year, we are heartened to see the February 3rd memo "Further Addressing Bias in the Court System" announcing the Unified Court System Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy," stressing that recommendations in the Special Advisor's report are being implemented.

COVID-19 Continues; So Does NYSDA's Assistance
As COVID-19 vaccines began to arrive in New York State, NYSDA began addressing a new set of questions from defenders and others: Are public defenders "essential personnel" eligible for the vaccine now? When are people in jails and prisons going to be offered the vaccine? What pandemic-related procedures in the legal system are ending? Are in-person trials safe? NYSDA staff is working to provide information as it becomes available, through our website, News Picks from NYSDA Staff, and in response to individual requests, and continues to advocate for the safety of public defense lawyers and clients.

Meanwhile, the Backup Center's other services remain available, while many staff members continue to work remotely. The legal staff responds to attorneys’ inquiries received through our contact form, email (info@nysda.org), or voicemail (518-465-3524). Attorneys with questions about family defense can also be sent them directly to Family Court Staff Attorney Kim Bode at kbode@nysda.org.

Inquiries about NYSDA’s Public Defense Case Management System can be made by phone at (518-465-3524, Option 3), or via email: pdcmssupport@nysda.org.

NYSDA’s Veterans Defense Program (VDP) can be reached using the contact information available at the VDP’s home page.

NYSDA Mourns the Passing of Staff Member Dawn Allert. The Association is again still mourning following the Jan. 20, 2021 death of long-time staff member Dawn Allert. Many Association members knew Dawn, having spoken with her through the years as she managed and supported our membership program. Her obituary reflects her love for her family and enjoyment of the time she spent with them. NYSDA extends condolences to all of Dawn's immediate and extended family, friends, and those who found their contact with NYSDA brightened by her assistance.

MAIN LEFT-CENTER