Supreme Court Update: §1983 Civil Rights Litigation
Liability issues arising from 42 U.S.C. §1983 claims remain a complex and evolving area of federal litigation, with the U.S. Supreme Court continuing to shape the law through significant decisions affecting civil rights and constitutional litigation.
In this timely CLE program, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, a nationally recognized scholar and leading authority on civil rights and constitutional law, will provide practitioners with an update on the Supreme Court’s most recent decisions, emerging trends, and practical considerations affecting §1983 litigation.
This program offers an excellent opportunity for attorneys who handle civil rights, constitutional, and federal litigation to gain insight from one of the nation’s foremost experts in the field.
Announcements & News
The Trial of John Peter Zenger: Trial Re-enactment & Panel Discussion on Freedom of the Press
The Trial of John Peter Zenger: Trial Re-enactment & Panel Discussion on Freedom of the Press Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 4:30 p.m.James M. Hanley Federal Building and U.S. CourthouseCeremonial Courtroom, 3rd Floor100 S. Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY Step back...
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR REAPPOINTMENT OF INCUMBENT MAGISTRATE JUDGE
The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric at Binghamton, New York is due to expire on June 30, 2027. Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court and should be directed to the attention of the Committee Chair; in care of: John M. Domurad, Clerk of Court, U.S. District Court, 100 S. Clinton Street, P.O. Box 7367, Syracuse, New York 13261-7367. Comments must be received by October 30, 2026.
2026 NDNY-FCBA Trial Advocacy Training Program Nominations Now Being Accepted
At the request of the Board of Judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, the Federal Court Bar Association invites nominations for the 2026 Trial Advocacy Training Program, a highly selective, hands-on training initiative designed to develop the next generation of federal trial attorneys. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 3, 2026.
Hon. Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Scholarship Application 2026
The Federal Court Bar Association for the Northern District of New York Hon. Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2024 Scholarship Cycle. In December 2005, the Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association established The Honorable Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Scholarship Program to recognize exemplary law students who attend Albany Law School, Cornell University College of Law, and Syracuse University College of Law. In calendar year 2024, the Association will select three (3) scholars, one from each school, each of whom will receive a scholarship in the sum of $2,000. Students currently in their second year of law school are eligible to apply.
A Fulfilling Law Day Experience
By Christina Cagnina The theme of Law Day 2026, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” was incredibly topical, important and well-chosen. As a long-time defense attorney, I was very excited to have had the opportunity to join Judge Katz on April 16, 2026, to...
Gen-AI Functions as an Interlocutor: Why United States v. Heppner Seems to Get Privilege Right
By Michael Langan, Mia Herrera, and Tara Nugent[1] Courts and commentators have both begun to grapple with whether the use of generative artificial intelligence (“gen-AI”) waives attorney-client privilege and/or work product protection. So far this year, federal...
When Telling the Truth Was a Crime: NDNY Reenacts the Zenger Trial
A newspaper publisher repeatedly prints biting commentary critical of the Governor. Incensed, the Governor instigates a grand jury investigation. The grand jury refuses to indict. Undeterred, the Governor’s ally – the Attorney General – files misdemeanor charges...
President’s Message: America at 250: Courts, Continuity, and the Work Ahead
By Brian Butler As the summer begins, our federal court community finds itself at a meaningful intersection of history and present responsibility. This year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, a moment that invites reflection not only on where we...
NDNY Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Courthouse Events in Syracuse and Albany
By Tara Nugent[1] The Northern District of New York organized elegant tributes to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebrations took place on June 9 at the James T. Foley Courthouse in Albany, and on June 11 at the James M. Hanley Federal...
Introducing Two New NDNY-FCBA Member Benefits: Our Membership Directory & Career Center
New Member Resources Are Here!
The Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association is pleased to announce two new member-exclusive resources designed to help our members build professional connections, grow their practices, and advance their careers. Check out the new
NDNY-FCBA Membership Directory and Career Center!
Members: Update Your Attorney Profile Today!
Updating your attorney profile takes only a few minutes and helps us maintain and accurate and up-to-date membership directory!








