In order to provide you with up the most topical information in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardianships, real estate, small business and related legal areas, we have put together a variety of important updates. Whether pointing you to essential websites or bringing you up-to-date with current changes in the legal world, our firm hopes to serve your needs across the board.

Legal News

CHANGES IN THE LAW.

Gov. David Patterson has signed a new law effecting dramatic changes to the Power of Attorney form in New York. The most important change is to the gift-giving portion of the form. The new law requires all gifts of over $500 (to continue a pattern of gifting or to a charity) to be spelled out on a rider – also to be signed and acknowledged by the principal. The effective date of the legislation is September 1, 2009.

Firm News

SABRINA E. MORRISSEY ASKED TO CO-CHAIR THE ELDER LAW AND DISABILITIES COMMITTEE OF THE NEW YORK WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION.

Sabrina E. Morrissey was recently asked to be a Co-Chair of the Elder Law and Disabilities Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association. Her Co-Chairs are Antonia J. Martinez, Esq. and Kim Trigoboff, Esq. The committee had a Fall Mixer on September 15th at Ammo’s Restaurant in mid-town. They plan an October 13th meeting and a November CLE. For more information, go to www.nywba.org and look at the calendar of events.

SABRINA E. MORRISSEY INCLUDED IN “WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW” IN NY FOR 2014.

Sabrina E. Morrissey was recently selected by New York magazine as one of New York’s top female attorneys. These honorees are being recognized through the publication’s New York’s Women Leaders in the Law special section in March, which is also Women’s History Month.

Ms. Morrissey has served as a guardian many times over to persons who experience challenges managing their health, personal and financial matters, and she considers helping those in need to be a great privilege.

Ms. Morrissey has practiced law in New York for 19 years and is experienced not only in the field of adult guardianship, but also Trusts and Estates work, including accountings and Surrogate’s Court litigation. She is an entrepreneur, having started two businesses of her own. She frequently lectures on estate planning and advance directives. Most recently, she has participated in a series of seminars at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan.

She is a member of the Elder Law and Trusts and Estates sections of the New York State Bar Association, the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Ethics Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association.

FALL MEETING OF TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW SECTION.

In October 2014, Sabrina E. Morrissey and James J. Morrissey, Jr. attended the October meeting of the NYS Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section. As always the section put on a good program with many informative speakers and ideas for better practice.

NYWBA EVENT WITH JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR.

On May 8, 2014, Sabrina and Jim Morrissey attended the New York Women’s Bar Association Annual Award Dinner at the Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York City.
The Keynote Speaker was Hon. Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Sotomayor talked about the importance of mentoring new lawyers. She also told several entertaining stories about her days in the practice of law in New York and answered questions from the audience.

The ceremony was held in honor of Hon. Jacqueline W. Silbermann, President of the NYWBA, who was presented with an award for her years of work on behalf of the association.

ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN NYWBA APRIL NEWSLETTER.

Sabrina E. Morrissey wrote an article on “Practice Tips for Dealing wit0h Clients (and Prospective Clients) with Diminished Capacity, which was published in the New York Women’s Bar Association Newsletter in April 2014. Click here to read the article. Ms. Morrissey is a member of the NYWBA’s committees on Professional Ethics and Discipline and Solo and Small Firm Practice.

AWARDS FOR PRO BONO SERVICES.

Morrissey & Morrissey, LLP was recognized for its free legal service provided in 2008 to those who could not otherwise afford counsel. The New York Bar Association presented the Empire State Counsel designation to Sabrina E. Morrissey & James J. Morrissey, Jr. for “their outstanding contribution in rendering 50 or more hours of free legal services to the poor in 2008.”

Sabrina E. Morrissey, Esq. and James J. Morrissey, Jr. all received an award of appreciation from Legal Services of New York for pro bono legal services provided to the poor in 2008.

SPRING MEETING OF TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW SECTION.

Sabrina E. Morrissey & James J. Morrissey, Jr. attended the Trusts and Estate Law Section meeting (NYSBA) in Amelia Island, Florida, March 19 – 22, 2009.