Assembly Resolution No. 1221
BY: M. of A. Lavine
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2026, as Pro Bono and Access to Justice
Month in the State of New York and recognizing the
State's pioneering role in expanding access to legal
services
WHEREAS, Access to legal representation remains a fundamental
component of a fair, equitable, and effective justice system, ensuring
that all New Yorkers, regardless of income or background, can assert and
defend their rights; and
WHEREAS, New York State has long been a national leader in promoting
access to justice, establishing innovative programs and institutions
that serve as models for states across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Pro bono legal services provided by members of the New York
State Bar Association, local bar associations, legal services
organizations, and law school clinics expand access to justice for
low?income and vulnerable New Yorkers, helping to address civil legal
needs in housing, family law, immigration, consumer protection, and
public benefits; and
WHEREAS, New York courts have been among the first in the nation to
partner with bar associations, law schools, and community organizations
to establish court?connected pro bono programs, self-help centers, and
virtual legal assistance initiatives, ensuring that all litigants can
navigate the justice system effectively; and
WHEREAS, The Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, established
in 2006 as a statewide policy and advocacy body, has been instrumental
in coordinating pro bono initiatives, promoting public awareness,
tracking unmet legal needs, and implementing strategic reforms to close
the justice gap; and
WHEREAS, New York's pro bono and access to justice programs have
achieved historic milestones, including the creation of LawHelpNY, a
statewide online resource connecting New Yorkers to legal aid and
self-help tools; the first statewide pro bono reporting and recognition
program, promoting transparency and encouraging participation among
attorneys; partnerships with law schools to provide clinical and
student?run pro bono services, introducing future lawyers to the
importance of public service; and court-connected initiatives targeting
traditionally underserved communities, including immigrants, the
elderly, and survivors of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, These pioneering efforts have contributed to New York
having one of the most robust and diverse pro bono infrastructures in
the country, demonstrating a sustained commitment to ensuring that
justice is not limited by financial means; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing Pro Bono and Access to Justice Month offers an
opportunity to honor the attorneys, law students, judges, and community
partners who dedicate their time, skills, and expertise to serve the
public good, and to reaffirm the State's commitment to equity, fairness,
and inclusion in the legal system; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as Pro Bono
and Access to Justice Month in the State of New York, in recognition of
the State's historic leadership in expanding access to justice, the
contributions of the legal community in providing pro bono services, and
the enduring efforts of the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, the New York State
Bar Association; and local legal services and pro bono organizations, as
a symbol of the respect, gratitude, and admiration of the State of New
York.
