LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas J. O'Connor upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Brigid Nolan Memorial Award by the
Legal Project

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 honor
Thomas J. O'Connor upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Brigid Nolan Memorial Award by the Legal Project which was cele-
brated at the Legal Project's Pro Bono Awards Luncheon on Wednesday,
October 15, 2014, at the Century House in Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Brigid Nolan Memorial Award is given to an attorney who
through his or her dedication to pro bono service with the Legal
Project, has helped a victim of domestic violence to begin life anew;
and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. O'Connor graduated from Albany Law School in 1974,
and joined the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office; he served
as the Chief Assistant District Attorney when he entered private prac-
tice in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Today, this esteemed man is a partner at Hiscock and Barley
where his practice is focused on insurance coverage and commercial liti-
gation; and
WHEREAS, Committed to giving back to his community, Thomas J. O'Connor
is the Vice President of the Legal Aid Society's Board of Directors; he
has also served since 2008 as a co-Chair of the Legal Aid Society's
"Justice for All" Campaign which raises nearly $300,000 annually to fund
legal services for the poor; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Thomas J. O'Connor joined the Legal Project's Domes-
tic Violence Legal Connections Program Panel, through which he provides
pro bono assistance to victims of domestic violence; he has often demon-
strated his willingness to take on a case on a moment's notice; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his pro bono service, Thomas J. O'Connor has
helped to fill the gap of unmet legal needs in New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas J. O'Connor upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Brigid Nolan Memorial Award by the Legal Project; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas J. O'Connor.