BAEC Bulletin | November/December 2021 | 19
the pandemic. When Family Court closed to in-person proceedings in March 2020, VLP transitioned the Family Court Help Desk to a remote phone line model serving the Eighth Judicial District. Ms. Buckley immediately began referring people with legal questions to VLP for assistance. VLP has now offered over 2500 phone consultations to low-income clients. Ms. Buckley keeps in frequent contact with VLP regarding Court policy and related changes. She developed an in-person kiosk at the Courthouse so our clients seeking immediate relief can virtually meet with our attorneys and get assistance drafting and filing their pleadings. She is always available to assist our attorneys in obtaining access to justice for our clients. Kelly’s continued dedication to our mission and to providing access to justice for our clients make her an essential partner and a true champion for justice. Attorney of the Morning Award Margaret O’Brien, Esq. The pandemic has disrupted the practice of law in many areas, but housing practice has had more ups and downs than most. Through it all Margaret O’Brien has volunteered regularly with VLP at the Attorney of the Morning Program at Buffalo City Court. Through several changes to the law, to court procedure and to VLP’s model, Margaret continued to volunteer. She represented 15 tenants facing eviction and assisted VLP staff with additional cases. We appreciate her enthusiasm and willingness to help wherever she is needed. The generous gift of her time, especially during the pandemic, made a real difference in providing access to justice for tenants facing eviction this year. Congratulations, Margaret! Ms. Marello is an avid advocate on behalf of low-income taxpayers throughout Western New York, and has assisted numerous clients resolve their tax controversies with the IRS, as well as New York State. Additionally, she consistently provides assistance and support to our Low Income Taxpayer Clinic through the Settlement Day Initiative, as well as the Buffalo Trial Session Calendar Call. She has helped numerous VLP clients resolve their Tax Court case before trial. Ms. Marello’s thorough work on behalf of low-income taxpayers, as well as her consistent Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Award Heather Marello, Andreozzi, Bluestein LLP
willingness to provide assistance to VLP makes her a real champion for justice. Congratulations Heather, and thank you for all that you do! Small Firm Award Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller LLP It is not surprising, that in the midst of a deadly pandemic VLP saw a sharp increase in clients seeking assistance with End-of-Life Planning. In June of 2021, VLP found itself with an abundance of End-of-Life Planning cases that needed Pro Bono representation. We reached out to Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller LLP to take a case and were surprised to have them take 5 cases at once. A Huge thank you to Attorneys Linda Grear, Jean Harris, Amanda Scott, Dan Schuller and Charles W. Beinhauer for the stellar representation of our clients and for stepping up to answer our emergency call for volunteers! Your dedication to pro bono is inspiring!
Rising Champion for Justice Patricia Rauh, Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.
Ms. Rauh began volunteering while in law school through the Community Justice Clinic where she provided assistance to undocumented immigrants and unaccompanied minors. A 2018 graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School, she was admitted to practice in New
James P. Renda, Esq.
69 Delaware Ave., Suite 1006, Buffalo, NY 14202 | (716) 885-4335 | JRenda@rendalaw.com
Arbitration of all financial aspects of your divorce case
◊ 8th Judicial District Court Roster of ADR Neutrals ◊ Fellow and Certified Arbitrator of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers ◊ “Best Lawyers in America” designation 2005-2020 and awarded Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year 2019” for Family Law Buffalo by Woodward & White ◊ Lawyers of Distinction 2018-2020 ◊ Named in “New York Super Lawyers” 2007-2020 by Thomson Reuters
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