LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer
Lawyers Project, Inc. for giving 20 years of pro bono legal services to
the Brooklyn community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Brooklyn
Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. for giving 20 years of
pro bono legal services to the Brooklyn community, to be celebrated on
Tuesday, June 15, 2010; and
WHEREAS, This fine 20th Anniversary Gala event will also honor retired
Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye; she is the recipient of the 2010 Building
Bridges Leadership Award for her exceptional commitment to the public
good and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Bar Association established the Volunteer
Lawyers Project (VLP) in 1990 to address the unmet legal needs of the
disadvantaged and the elderly in Brooklyn who cannot afford private
representation; and
WHEREAS, The VLP's objective is to ensure that the legal system is
accessible to those who, because of the overwhelming burdens of poverty,
would not otherwise have their voices heard; and
WHEREAS, The VLP is honored to present its most notable award to Judge
Kaye; after serving 25 distinguished years on New York State's highest
court, her commitment to improving the legal system for the benefit of
all New Yorkers embodies the goal and purpose of the VLP; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, the VLP made a significant and measurable difference
in the lives of close to 3,000 impoverished and underserved residents of
its community; most recently, in an immediate and critical pro bono
response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the VLP is co-sponsor-
ing the Haitian Immigration Legal Assistance Program which is a series
of ongoing clinics staffed by volunteer lawyers throughout Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. for
giving 20 years of pro bono legal services to the Brooklyn community;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to retired Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye, and the Brooklyn Bar
Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc.