New Law
The process of creating legislation, called “lawmaking,” allows Congress to fulfill its democratic role by shaping public policy to reflect the concerns of voters and responding to the needs of society. Legislation is drafted and amended at multiple stages to ensure it addresses specific issues, has bipartisan support, and will succeed in the implementation stage. New laws are a reflection of the changing world around us and a necessary mechanism for the government to serve the citizens it represents.
Legislative ideas for new or amended laws, also known as bills, can originate with a sitting senator’s constituents, from organizations that call for legislation, or from an executive branch official. The bill is then drafted and analyzed by committee members before it is considered for floor debate and vote. The legislative process is complex and requires the full participation of both parties, ensuring that all viewpoints are heard. Throughout the process, amendments can be introduced, which can greatly impact the final outcome of the bill.
Once passed, the legislative bill is sent to the President for review and sign or veto. The President has 10 days (not counting Sundays) to act on the bill; if the President signs the bill, it becomes law. If the President vetoes a bill, it can only be overturned by two-thirds of both houses of Congress voting to do so.
In addition to the laws passed by Congress, the City has its own set of laws and regulations. The New York City Council legislative website, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection rules website, and NYC Rules are all resources for reviewing the laws of the City.
The legal business world is a constant flow of change. It’s important for attorneys to stay current with the latest trends and developments in order to best serve their clients. One such trend is a practice area called “new law.” This concept isn’t always easy to define, but it relates to the way that lawyers use innovative methods to provide services and to create strategies that are not traditional. New law can offer unique opportunities for firms to generate value for their clients without disrupting other areas of the practice that might be the firm’s primary focus. This is a valuable tool that all firms should consider using to their advantage.