LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 17th Anniversary of The Legal
Project to be celebrated October 18, 2012

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 17th Anniversary of The Legal Project to be celebrated at its
Pro Bono Reception on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Hart Theatre
Lounge at The Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This fine event will recognize several distinguished hono-
rees; they are: The Honorable John Dunne, Legal Project Champion Award;
Casey Copps DiPaola, Esq., Kurt Clobridge Memorial Award; Amy Knussman,
Esq., Brigid Nolan Memorial Award; Lauren Hunt, Esq., Stanley A. Rosen
Memorial Award; Albany Law School Pro Bono Society, Field of Dreams
Award; and Abraham Bolgatz, Esq., Friend of The Legal Project Award; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Project was created as an independent non-profit
organization in 1995 by members of the Capital District Women's Bar
Association, originally in response to the vast, unmet civil legal needs
of victims of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, This illustrious organization grew from having one part-time
executive director to 14 staff and over 200 volunteers serving 2,000
people annually; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, 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, with a special commitment to women and others who may have
difficulty in obtaining legal assistance; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Executive Director Lisa A.
Frisch, The Legal Project continues to play a vital role in the communi-
ty of the Capital District, finding unique and cost-effective ways to
meet diverse, unmet legal needs; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Project is widely viewed as one of the programs
with expertise in the area of domestic violence and civil legal
services, even developing the first military domestic violence civil
legal services program in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this remarkable organization offers vital
programs to the community including Affordable Housing Attorney Assist-
ance, Bankruptcy and Credit, Community-Based Legal Clinics, Domestic
Violence Legal Connection, Domestic Violence and Military Families Civil
Legal Assistance, Foreclosure Assistance, Legally Speaking Workshops,
Pro Bono Appeals, Small Business Legal Network, and Wills and Estates;
and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when
programs of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 17th Anniversary of The Legal Project to be celebrated
October 18, 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Executive Director Lisa A. Frisch, and to the aforementioned
honorees.