LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating 130 years of distinguished service
by The Legal Aid Society to Brooklyn, New York

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 that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate 130 years of distinguished service by The Legal Aid Society to
Brooklyn, New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Tues-
day, January 17, 2012, at the Ceremonial Courtroom at Brooklyn Borough
Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Aid Society is the nation's oldest and largest
not-for-profit legal services organization; it is more than a law firm
for low-income New Yorkers, it is an indispensable component of the
legal, social and economic fabric of New York City; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Aid Society passionately advocates for low-income
individuals and families across a variety of civil, criminal and juve-
nile rights matters, while also fighting for legal reform; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1800s, Henry Ward Beecher donated space in the
Plymouth Church as a temporary office for volunteer Legal Aid Society
lawyers to provide legal assistance for Brooklyn residents who could not
afford the carriage fare to Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, The history of The Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn, New York,
is a legacy of excellence, dedication and service; during the last 130
years, it has handled more than five million cases; and
WHEREAS, Currently, in Brooklyn, New York, The Legal Aid Society has a
total of 248 lawyers working with a support staff of 124, including
social workers, investigators, paralegals and support and administrative
staff; it handles approximately 96,488 individual cases and matters each
year in addition to law reform advocacy benefiting all 1,067,829 low-in-
come children and adults in Brooklyn living in poverty, or just below
that brutal edge of need; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Aid Society has 10 offices in Brooklyn, New York,
offering legal assistance and also partners with government agencies and
scores of community organizations to expand its services; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to The Legal Aid
Society in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate 130 years of distinguished service by The Legal Aid Society
to Brooklyn, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Legal Aid Society, 199 Water Street, New York, New York
10038.