Dear Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Community,
On behalf of the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support and collaboration. Your trust in our services allows us to advocate for justice, provide critical legal assistance, and work toward a more equitable community.
We are pleased to share that we have expanded our programs to better serve those in need, including increased access to housing advocacy, criminal defense, and family law support. Additionally, we are profoundly grateful to Erie County for entrusting us to expand our criminal defense services within the City of Buffalo and the Town of Cheektowaga.
This new chapter marks a significant milestone in our organization's more than 100-year history. Our team remains unwavering in our commitment to ensuring quality legal representation is accessible to every individual, regardless of circumstance. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships and continuing our shared mission of justice for all. Thank you for standing with us. Sincerely, |
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Congratulations to Judy Gerber: Howard A. Levine Award Winner |
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| We are thrilled to celebrate Judy Gerber, Chief Attorney of our Attorneys for Children Unit, a tireless advocate and an exceptional member of our community.
Late last year, Judy was honored with the prestigious Howard A. Levine Award from the New York State Bar Association! This recognition highlights her extraordinary commitment to reforming family court and championing the needs of vulnerable children and families throughout her remarkable career. Her dedication truly embodies our mission of delivering justice and compassion to those in need. Join us in honoring her legacy by making a donation in her name to our Project Thrive Fund. |
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Erin Tresmond Joins Call for Criminal Leave Reform in New York Law Journal
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We’re proud to share that Erin Tresmond, Chief Attorney of our Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit, joined a coalition of legal advocates in signing a powerful letter published in the New York Law Journal addressing the urgent need to reform New York’s criminal leave application process. The letter highlights the long-standing inequities in the current system. Erin and fellow signatories call for a more just, uniform process, recommending changes that would expand access to appellate review and promote fairness for all New Yorkers. |
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Legal Aid to Expand Felony Representation in Buffalo & Cheektowaga |
In April 2024, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz established an exploratory working group to review the county’s current plan for indigent legal defense.
As part of this initiative, CEO David Schopp and several members of the management team presented a proposal for Legal Aid to expand its services to include higher-level felonies in Buffalo City Court and to launch a pilot project in the Town of Cheektowaga.
We are thrilled to announce that, beginning July 1, 2025, our Criminal Defense Unit (CDU) will begin handling C violent felony cases in Buffalo City Court. Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, the CDU will handle all felony cases, except for murder, in the City of Buffalo and will serve as the institutional provider in the Town of Cheektowaga.
We look forward to expanding our commitment to high-quality representation for the residents of Erie County. |
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Renovations to Enhance Client Services in Buffalo City Court |
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In addition to the expansion of our work, we’re excited to announce the completion of renovations at our two satellite offices in Buffalo City Court. Planning for the project began in August 2024, with construction starting in early January 2025.
The newly renovated space now features five client interview rooms, a dedicated supervisor’s office, and an additional office for use by an investigator and/or social worker. These upgrades mark a significant step forward in ensuring confidential, client-centered representation within the court setting.
The improved layout not only enhances privacy for client communications but also creates more opportunities for meaningful engagement in discovery review and defense preparation. |
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HRP Team’s Work Brings Compassion, Insight & Results |
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| Our Holistic Representation Program (HRP) continues to make a powerful impact by combining legal advocacy with social work and mitigation support.
Attorney Kevin Harris shared how a report from HRP staffer Samari moved a client to tears, capturing her emotions in a way she had not yet heard communicated. Staff attorney Madelyn Storms credited Vaughn’s reports for securing significantly reduced sentences under tight deadlines. Kassidy Wozniak praised Vaughn’s diligence and noted how the report taught her valuable social work concepts that strengthened her advocacy. These stories show how the HRP team’s compassionate, strategic work is transforming outcomes and reminding us that justice is most effective when it is holistic. |
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Expanding Access: CLS Unit Bridges the Justice Gap Through Walk-In Clinics |
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The CLS Unit is committed to expanding access to civil legal services and delivering quality representation across our community. While we are funded to serve low-income Western New Yorkers, many middle-class individuals fall into the gap of earning too much to qualify for free services yet not enough to afford private counsel.
To help close this justice gap, Legal Aid offers several walk-in clinics that provide pro se assistance to those who do not qualify for full representation. We currently host clinics focused on Divorce and Reentry services and plan to expand into additional practice areas.
We also offer general civil legal clinics at community locations across the 8th Judicial District. Visit our social media for dates, times, and locations. |
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Nicholas DiFonzo Secures Victory in Court of Appeals |
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| The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo celebrates a significant appellate win by Nicholas P. DiFonzo, attorney in the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit, in People v. Scott.
The New York Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision, finding that Marquese Scott's guilty plea was not knowing or voluntary. Scott had been misinformed that he faced a 45-year maximum sentence, when in reality it was 20 years.
DiFonzo’s extensive research and compelling arguments persuaded the Court that the misinformation critically affected Scott’s decision to plead guilty. This ruling underscores the Bureau’s commitment to justice and highlights DiFonzo’s outstanding advocacy on behalf of our clients. |
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Helping Youth Rebuild After Detention with Reentry Support & Project Thrive |
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With support from the Tower Foundation, our AFC Unit launched the Juvenile Justice Youth Reentry Project to help youth transition from detention and residential placements back into their communities. Many of these young people face complex challenges, including trauma and medical, emotional, or developmental disabilities.
Our reentry social worker, Samantha Gallivan (pictured to the left), works alongside attorneys and advocates to connect youth with family support, schooling, housing, vocational opportunities, and enriching activities like sports and the arts.
We’ve also met urgent client needs thanks to our Project Thrive Fund. From new bedroom furniture for a girl reuniting with her mother, to baby essentials for a young parent, to amusement park access for a teen reconnecting with friends. Thank you for helping us support these life-changing moments. |
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This GivingTuesday , End of Year Campaign and throughout the beginning of this year, many donors gave in honor or memory of loved ones, community members and organizations. These heartfelt tributes reflect the deep connections that inspire our work.
We take a moment to acknowledge those honored and remembered through these gifts. Thank you for supporting justice for all! |
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All the Terrific Staff at Legal Aid Feroleto Law The Pace Family Michael J. Pace
David C. Schopp |
| Steve and Liz Barnes
Jack and Cass Clarke Anthony DiFilippo III Hon. Kevin Dillon Sandra Friedfertig
Mary Good Richard Griffin Hon. Joseph D. Mintz Mary Ann Pyrak
Rosalind Ryan Eugene C. Tenney Brian Wolfson |
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If you'd like to make a gift in someone's honor or memory, click the button below. |
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| Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* |
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