For lawyers, one constant in the legal landscape is the search for ways to serve clients in new and different ways. The goal is to offer assistance that is less expensive and more convenient than traditional methods. This trend has become known as “law new.” While it is a relatively new concept, its significance is growing. It has the potential to create value for the legal industry and should be watched carefully.
Law new can mean anything from a new way of doing business to helping underserved populations in a specific geographic area. It also can include a new approach to working with a particular client or industry. This type of work is often conducted by non-law firms, startups and subsidiaries of traditional law firms. It may be overseen by a firm with an entirely different staff than is found in traditional practice or it may use a completely separate fee structure.
The concept of law new is evolving rapidly, which makes it important for all lawyers to keep up with changes. The idea is to provide clients with the help they need in a form that is not only cost effective but also allows the firm to build long term relationships.
One example of this is Matthew’s Law, which allows pharmacies and health care providers to give out fentanyl drug testing kits to prevent accidental overdose deaths. This bill was passed in the wake of the tragic death of Matthew Horan from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2020.
Another example is the new law on data breach notification. This legislation requires City agencies to report breaches of personal information involving persons’ private identifying information to the City Attorney and the Office of Privacy Protection. The law also aligns the City’s privacy laws with those of New York State.
There are a number of other bills that were signed into law for the first time this year, including one to increase the minimum wage in New York City and the surrounding areas to $15 per hour, and another to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. These new laws will affect residents across the state.