About Us

About Us

We at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) are committed to providing outstanding legal services for our clients. Our comprehensive civil legal services are free to low-income individuals who might not otherwise receive fair representation.

 

Three women standing in a room with their arms crossed.

Our Commitment

We see ourselves as a critical safety net for our clients and understand the critical role that access to quality legal representation plays in ensuring justice for all, regardless of one’s economic standing. 

 

As a dedicated provider of legal services with highly experienced attorneys and a wide range of expertise, our commitment to serving the underrepresented and low-income individuals of the Hudson Valley is at the core of our mission. Our firm is deeply invested in breaking down the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving the legal support they need. We believe that by offering our expertise and resources, we can contribute to a more equitable legal system where everyone can be heard and defended.

 

Mission

The mission of LSHV is to provide high quality counsel in civil matters for low-income individuals and families and other vulnerable persons who do not have access to legal representation and to pursue equity through dismantling systemic oppression.

Vision

The vision of LSHV is to help create a society where all individuals have equal access to justice and to proactively oppose racism and work to change systems that tolerate and perpetuate all forms of oppression.

Follow Our Long History of Legal Excellence

German Immigrant Society, a predecessor to the Legal Aid Society of New York, is founded.
1876
1911
National Alliance of Legal aid Societies, a predecessor to the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, is founded.
Reginald Heber Smith authors his groundbreaking work: “Justice and the Poor”.
1919
1921
American Bar Association (ABA) created Standing Committee on Legal Aid, later changed to Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants (SCLAID).
Ford Foundation begins funding legal services demonstration projects.
1963
1965
Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Legal Services established. First OEO Legal Services Director, Clint Bamberger is hired. ABA endorses OEO Legal Services.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley incorporated as Westchester Legal Services.
1967
1971
Nixon vetoes first Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Act.
Congress passes LSC Act.
1974
1975
LSC is established.
Legal Services of the Hudson Value expands offices and services to Putnam and Dutchess Counties.
1995
2004
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley expands further into Rockland, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has over 160 employees over nine offices serving seven counties in the Mid-lower Hudson Valley.
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