Mission

The Legal Project believes that all people, regardless of income, gender, disability, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or ethnicity should have access to legal services. This belief reflects a deep commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law. Based upon these beliefs, the mission of The Legal Project is to make the law more accessible to those in need, to increase the legal community's involvement in pro bono work; and to serve as a resource on legal issues. We feel a special commitment to women and others who may have difficulty in obtaining legal assistance.

History

The Legal Project is a private, not-for-profit organization that was founded by the Capital District Women's Bar Association in 1995. It provides a variety of free and low cost legal services to the working poor, victims of domestic violence and other underserved individuals in the Capital District of New York State.

Awards and Special Recognition Conferred Upon The Legal Project

2006

• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded its 2006 Pro Bono Service Award to Margaret Tabak, Esq. in recognition of her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs representing victims of domestic violence.
• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded the 2006 Distinguished Non-Attorney Award to Lisa A. Frisch in recognition of her leadership as Executive Director of The Legal Project, her work with the Capital District Women's Bar Association and her efforts to promote and support pro bono in the Capital District.
• The Women's Bar of the State of New York awarded its 2006 Hanna S. Cohn Pro Bono Service Award to Camille Siano Enders, Esq. in recognition of her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs and work to assist communities across New York State to replicate the legal clinic programs started by the Capital District Women's Bar Association.
• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded the 2006 Distinguished Member Award to Jo Katz, in recognition of her leadership in promoting pro bono services and issues relating to women and the law, as well as her many pro bono activities in the Capital District, including her work in representing pro bono clients of The Legal Project.
• The New York State Bar Association awarded Lisa A. Frisch the inaugural 2006 Denison Ray Director Award, honoring outstanding leadership at a civil legal services, criminal defender or pro bono program by an executive director or legal director who inspires extraordinary commitment by staff and service to the community.
• The United States Attorneys Office awarded Lisa Frisch the 2006 U.S Department of Justice Victim Service Award, in recognition of her work with crime victims that has had a profound impact on the pursuit of justice for victims in the Northern District of New York.
• The Albany County Executive awarded Camille Siano Enders the 2006 County Executive's Volunteer Award for her tireless efforts in providing pro bono services to clients of The Legal Project who are seeking help in Family Court in escaping their abusive partners.
  

2005

• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded its 2005 Pro Bono Service Award to Julie Cabou in recognition of her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs representing victims of domestic violence.
• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded the 2005 Distinguished Non-Attorney Award to Jessica Lennon in recognition of her critical role as Legal Services Coordinator of The Domestic Violence Legal Connection of The Legal Project, working directly with victims of abuse and facilitating the pro bono efforts of members of the Capital District Women's Bar Association and other attorneys volunteering for the program in the community.
• 2005 New York State Bar Association President's Pro Bono Service Award for the Third Judicial District was awarded to Ronald Orlando for his pro bono efforts through his work with The Legal Project in developing affordable housing training and first time homebuyer representation and providing extensive pro bono assistance with monthly Legal Clinics and the Small Business Legal Network, offering advice to women, minority and low income small business owners.
  

2004

• 2004 New York State Bar Association President's Pro Bono Service Award for the Fourth Judicial District was awarded to Barbara King for her pro bono work for people in need in the Capital District and her role in promoting her law firm's development of a pro bono policy.
• 2004 Columbia High School Alumni Hall of Fame inducted Michelle Haskin as a member in recognition of her demonstrated achievement in the legal profession as well as her outstanding service to the community, in large part due to extensive pro bono work and Board service to The Legal Project.
  

2003

• 2003 New York State Bar Association President's Pro Bono Service Award for the Third Judicial District was awarded to Anne Reynolds Copps for her pro bono work for people in need in the Capital District.
• The 2002-2003 Attorney Professionalism Award was given by the New York State Bar Association to Anne Reynolds Copps in recognition of her outstanding professionalism, which is defined as dedication to service to clients and a commitment to promoting respect for the legal system in pursuit of justice and the public good, characterized by exemplary ethical conduct, competence, good judgment, integrity and civility.
• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded its 2003 Pro Bono Service Award to Barbara King in recognition of her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs.
• The Capital District Women's Bar Association awarded the 2003 Distinguished Non-Attorney Award to Wendy Durand in recognition of her leadership as Executive Director of The Legal Project and her work with the Capital District Women's Bar Association.
• The Women in Public Service Award was given to former Legal Project Executive Director Wendy Durand from The Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, University at Albany

2002

• Governor's Justice, Freedom and Courage Award to End Domestic Violence was conferred upon The Legal Project for its Domestic Violence Legal Connection program.
• The National Conference of Women's Bar Associations awarded its 2002 Public Service Award to The Legal Project for its innovative programs providing legal assistance to the working poor, victims of domestic violence, and survivors of sexual assault.
• The Schenectady Human Rights Commission awarded its Group Achievement Award to The Legal Project for its Schenectady YWCA Legal Clinic.
• New York State Bar Association President's Pro bono Service Award for the Fourth Judicial District was awarded to Christine Galvin for her pro bono work for people in need in the Capital District.

2001

• New York State Bar Association President's Pro bono Service Award for the Fourth Judicial District was awarded to Glen W. Brownell for his active participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs. Mr. Brownell serves as a volunteer member and mentor for the Domestic Violence Legal Connection pro bono panel.
• The Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association awarded its Distinguished Member Award to Paula Barbaruolo in recognition of her inspiration and efforts in implementing the Bankruptcy and Credit program in partnership with The Legal Project.
• Cited by Governor George Pataki as a Model Program in 2001 Quality Communities Interagency Task Force Report: Partnering for a Better New York.
• The Women's Bar Association of the State of New York awarded its 2001 Pro Bono Service Award to Meredith Savitt in recognition of her role in founding The Legal Project as well as her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs.

2000

• The Council of Community Services named The Legal Project as the Capital Region's Human Services Program of the Year (2000). This Community Builders Award recognizes one program annually that "addresses unmet needs", involves successful collaborations with human services agencies and "has made substantial contributions toward making our region a better place to live."
• New York State Bar Association President's Pro bono Service Award for the Third Judicial District was awarded to Jo M. Katz for her active participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs. Ms. Katz serves as a volunteer member, mentor and trainer for the Domestic Violence Legal Connection pro bono panel.
• Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Wendy Durand, The Legal Project's Executive Director, by the YWCA of Schenectady. The award is given to recognize unusual achievement and distinction in a woman's career that has had a positive impact on her local community, helped women, and contributed toward the elimination of discrimination. Ms. Durand's work in the development and expansion of The Legal Project's programs, serving victims of domestic violence and other underserved people, was a primary factor in her selection.
• The Women's Bar Association of the State of New York awarded the 2000 Outstanding New Lawyer Award to Camille Siano Enders in recognition of her participation in The Legal Project's pro bono programs and her work with the Capital District Women's Bar Association.

1999

• Root-Stimson Award was conferred upon Camille Siano Enders by the New York State Bar Association for her role at The Legal Project coordinating legal clinics, offering pro bono domestic violence representation and ongoing pro bono legal consultation to those in need.
• JC Penney gave its 1999 Golden Rule Award to Camille Siano Enders for her pro bono work with The Legal Project. Ms. Siano Enders was further recognized by being named one of ten national finalists.
• President's Pro Bono Service Awards for the Third and Fourth Judicial Districts were awarded to Camille Siano Enders for her active participation in The Legal Project's pro bono services by the New York State Bar Association.
  

1998

• The Legal Project was the recipient of the 1998 Public Service Award from the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations for its Domestic Violence Legal Connection program. Innovative pro bono projects that utilize the knowledge of the legal system to benefit women and children are eligible for this award.
• The National Organization for Women recognized the work of The Legal Project with its 1998 Making Waves Awards.
• The New York State Bar Association gave its 1998 Public Service Award to Meredith Savitt, Esq., one of the founders of The Legal Project for her work in developing the Project.

Your tax-deductible donation can make a difference!

The demand for our services grows every day. Your tax-deductible donation can help make the difference in someone's life. Help us make a difference today. We accept Visa, Master Card or American Express.


Or send your check to:

The Legal Project
Stuyvesant Plaza
1475 Western Avenue 
Albany, NY 12203

E-mail us for more information:  info@legalproject.org

Stumped for a great gift? Consider a gift donation to The Legal Project

Looking for a meaningful gift for a colleague, friend or family member who has more than enough widgets and desk accessories? Hate trying to find a parking space at the mall? You can solve your gift shopping challenges and help support pro bono at the same time. You can make a tax deductible donation to The Legal Project in the name of your gift recipient, who will receive a lovely card announcing the gift made by you in their name. Just supply us with the contact information for you and your gift recipient to send the card to and leave the rest to us. A gift donation to The Legal Project is a wonderful way to thank a colleague for a referral or a job well done, memorialize someone who has passed away, or commemorate a birthday or other special occasion. For more information, please call Lisa Frisch at 435-1770.