Lawyer-Legislators Against Disclosure Reform

In light of the recent call for income disclosure for legislators in New York a certain occupation will fight against the proposed “total disclosure” that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for. This occupation would be the lawyer-legislators that are currently in the legislature. According to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, it will be “Very Challenging” to get full disclosure of clients from lawyer-legislators.

Eric Scneiderman (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Many would argue that this disclosure will interfere will the lawyers ability to serve their clients. Interestingly, the New York City Bar association released a report in 2010 that outlines specific reasons why the disclosure of “client identity, the amount and nature of all fees and income above a minimum threshold, and a clear description of services provided in exchange for fees.” would not be a problem for New York. The report identifies the commissions in both Washington State and California that have been in effect for thirty years. Louisiana and Alaska both adopted full disclosure measures in 2008 and 2007. These disclosure commissions are independent of the legislatures themselves and do allow exceptions for extreme circumstances that are “very rare”.

Never the less Cuomo recently stated that maybe it might t be the sheer size of government in Albany that may be the root of evil and corruption. Ethic reform has a sizable coalition behind it and it will most definitely come to New York at some point.