Publications & Resources
The BAEC is responsible for providing its members, the full legal community, and the general public with news and updates on the law, recognition of the accomplishments of our members, and resources that assist in the administration of justice.
Here is a snapshot of the publications and resources provided by the BAEC.
The Bulletin is the official “members only” bi-monthly publication of the Bar Association of Erie County. The Bulletin contains news about the legal community in Western New York that can’t be found elsewhere. From the latest legal updates to first-hand information on upcoming CLE programs, the publication keeps members abreast of Association events and activities. Members consistently list The Bulletin among the top three reasons for belonging to the Association. If you are a member, the Bulletin will be mailed to you directly, at no cost.
Advertising in the Bulletin
The Bar Association’s official monthly publication offers a highly targeted and effective way to reach the legal community in Western New York. The Bulletin is circulated to over 3,400 individual attorneys, in addition to support staff, law firms, and other legal organizations. Readership studies show that the Bulletin is widely read by local attorneys and that the majority read each issue within a day of receiving it. Frequency discounts are available for those who advertise in four or more issues per year.
The 8th Judicial District Directory of Attorneys and the Courts
The Directory is an annual publication of the Bar Association of Erie County and serves as a desk reference for attorneys, paralegals and other support staff. The Directory contains a listing of all the attorneys in Western New York with addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses. It also includes a section on our local courts and related government offices. Approximately 8,500 copies of the Directory are distributed each year to the western New York legal and business communities.
The Weekly
The Weekly is the BAEC’s digital newsletter, sent exclusively to members via email every Monday morning. This newsletter gives members a brief, concise snapshot of what’s happening in the BAEC world and WNY legal community that week. Have you been receiving The Weekly? If not, you may be unsubscribed to our email communications. Click the button below to email Stephanie Belasik to check your subscription status.
Judicial Candidate Ratings
The Association uses a four-level rating system of Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified, and Not Recommended. Ratings are done annually prior to fall elections to assist the public in making informed decisions as they vote for judicial candidates.
Court Resources
The Office of Public Affairs of the New York State Unified Court System (USC) maintains an ongoing effort to increase awareness about court resources available to the public and the legal community.
New York State Court’s Programs & Initiatives (hyperlink to www.nycourts.gov/ip ) an all-access on line guide to court resources. The Access to Justice Link allows users to download official court forms. The E-Courts Link provides information on how legal documents can be filed electronically. Also information on Jury Service, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Court Interpreting Services and other resources can be found here: www.nycourts.gov/ip
Expansion of Mandatory E-Filing (hyperlink to https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/HomePage ) Mandatory electronic filing has expanded as per recent legislation and administrative order of the Chief Administrative Judge. Please view the attached bulletin for details including courts, types of cases and dates when e-filing becomes mandatory.
Professional Ethics Opinion
Our Professional Ethics Committee provides a great service to our members and to the legal community. This committee regularly meets to address and draft informal opinions on ethical issues that arise in real cases. If a member of the Association has come up against an ethical issue that they would like an objective opinion on, they are encouraged to submit the issue to the Committee.
These opinions are drafted and made available to the entire membership to use as a reference.