Res. No. 1775
Title
Resolution acknowledging the invaluable services provided to New York residents by the Legal Aid Society, commending its benevolent efforts on behalf of those in need, and offering the Society its best wishes on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary as it continues to carry out its remarkable work.
Body
By The Speaker (Council Member Vallone) and Council Members Berman, Malave-Dilan, Eisland, Espada, Freed, Linares, Michels, Nelson, Reed, Warden and The Public Advocate (Mr.Green); also Council Members Dear, DiBrienza, Fisher, Foster, Harrison, Koslowitz, Leffler, Marshall, Miller, Quinn, Robinson, Robles and Rodriguez
Whereas, On March 8, 2001, The Legal Aid Society commemorates its 125th year of service to the poor of New York City and celebrates its founding as the nation's first legal aid organization; and
Whereas, The Legal Aid Society, which is recognized nationally for its leadership role in civil legal work, juvenile rights and criminal defense, provides quality representation each year to more than 300,000 New Yorkers who are unable to afford to pay private counsel; and
Whereas, The Legal Aid Society, founded in 1876, the centennial year of American independence, was an initiative which demonstrated the commitment of New York City to the most basic element of our democracy - equal protection under the law; and
Whereas, The Society, as the world's largest public interest law firm, provides free individual assistance and representation to the indigent in neighborhood offices throughout New York City's five boroughs and in the state and federal courts, including the appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court and conducts major class action litigation on behalf of thousands of immigrants, homeless families, welfare recipients, foster children, elderly poor and prisoners; and
Whereas, By providing counsel and assistance to those in need, the Society strives on a daily basis to honor its commitment to secure, through the law, the rights and the protection of the poor which should be afforded to all; and
Whereas, The Society helps to ensure that our civilization remains just in its treatment of all people; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of New York acknowledges the invaluable services provided to New York residents by the Legal Aid Society, commends its benevolent efforts on behalf of those in need, and offers the Society its best wishes on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary as it continues to carry out its remarkable work.
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