Senate Resolution No. 1845

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING Leigh Ellis upon the occasion of her
special designation by Pace University at the
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Leadership Award Dinner
on March 14, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Leigh Ellis upon the occasion of her special designation for her
exemplary service to her community and State by Pace University, to be
celebrated on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the 29th Annual Elisabeth
Haub School of Law Leadership Award Dinner at the Westchester Country
Club in Rye, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Law Leadership Dinner is the signature fundraiser for
the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and a celebration to
honor individuals or organizations that have made outstanding
contributions to the legal community, the Law School, and the practice
of Law; and

WHEREAS, Having joined the faculty in 2023, Leigh Ellis is an
Assistant Professor at Creighton University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her current position, Leigh Ellis worked as a
public defender in Douglas County, Nebraska, where her practice focused
on juvenile law, welfare proceedings, adult misdemeanor, and felony
offenses; and

WHEREAS, Leigh Ellis, in her capacity as a public defender,
represented clients in bench trials, jury trials, and appellate
proceedings; most notably, she successfully argued the appeal of "In re
Interest of Victor L.", in which the Nebraska Supreme Court recognized a
youth's statutory right to be competent prior to proceeding with a
juvenile court adjudication; and

WHEREAS, In addition to working at the Public Defender's Office,
Leigh Ellis also previously worked at Legal Services of the Hudson
Valley in New York and the Health Education and Law Project ("HELP") at
Legal Aid of Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, A 2015 graduate of the Pace University Elisabeth Haub
School of Law in New York, Leigh Ellis received the Most Promising Pace
Law Student Award, the Dean's Award, and the Vanessa Merton Public
Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Leigh Ellis' law school career culminated with her
participating in Chief Justice Lippman's Pro Bono Scholars Program,
which allowed her to take the New York bar exam while still in law

school and then dedicate the remainder of her spring semester to working
full-time in the Children's Advocacy Unit at Legal Services of the
Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
honor Leigh Ellis upon the occasion of her special designation for her
exemplary service to her community and State by Pace University at the
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Leadership Award Dinner on March 14, 2024;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Leigh Ellis.