The legal industry is always changing, and that includes the way lawyers practice. One of the ways this can happen is through a practice area called new law. It’s a term that can be difficult to define, but in general, it refers to using different methods to deliver legal services to clients.
Some of the ways this can be done is by embracing technology and finding creative ways to reach out to potential clients. It can also mean focusing on process and creating strategies that have not been used in the past.
For example, one new law that went into effect this year is a bill named after Matthew Horan who died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2020. The law will allow local pharmacies and health care providers to give out life-saving fentanyl test kits to residents who may be at risk of an overdose. It will also make it easier for victims and survivors of crime to get the help they need.
Another way the practice of law is changing is by allowing lawyers to take on clients who have not traditionally been part of the legal system. These clients are often homeless, undocumented, or low-income. This can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for lawyers to use their skills in a different way and make a difference in the lives of those who might not have been able to hire a lawyer before.
Other changes to the way the practice of law works in the new year include a change that will help people who have been victims of crime receive more compensation. A new law will remove the requirement that victim must have documented proof of the crime in order to qualify for compensation. The law will also make it easier for victims to apply for the money they need by allowing them to submit written documentation instead of having to come to a police station to provide evidence.
A new law will make it easier for students to find information about campus safety and hate crimes by requiring colleges to post their data online. It will also require schools to create plans for investigating and reporting bias-related incidents. A new law will also permit middle and high school students in non-public schools to access free menstrual products through school health centers and community centers.
For more information about new laws and regulations, visit NYC’s Laws & Rules page. This page is updated regularly as new legislation passes, regulations are issued or Children’s Bureau policies are announced. If you have questions about the information and resources provided on this page, please contact the appropriate Children’s Bureau regional program manager.