Join us in honoring our community champions!

The celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at The Historic Canfield Casino,

1 Congress Avenue, Saratoga Springs from 6-9 PM.

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About the Event

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) invites you to our Justice for All Annual Awards, a celebration of the dedicated individuals and organizations who champion equity and access to justice in our communities. This special evening brings together the legal aid community, community partners, and pro bono volunteers to honor the transformative work we accomplish together.

Keynote Speaker

We are honored to welcome Nilanjana Dasgupta, acclaimed author of Change the Wallpaper, as our keynote speaker. Drawing on 25 years of groundbreaking research across psychology, sociology, and public health, Dasgupta will share insights from her work on the psychology of social change. Her book explores how small changes in local cultures can create powerful structural transformation—making her message particularly resonant for our community of advocates working to dismantle barriers to justice.

Program Highlights

The evening will feature:

• Keynote Address by Nilanjana Dasgupta
• Awards Ceremony recognizing six outstanding recipients who exemplify excellence in legal advocacy and community service
• Dinner and networking opportunities

Awards Recognition

We will present six prestigious awards celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations who have advanced justice and equality in our region. These awards recognize the diverse ways our community works together to ensure legal representation and support for those who need it most.

Ruth M. Minder Leadership Award

This award honors LASNNY’s founding staff attorney and Executive Director, Ruth M. Miner, and recognizes outstanding leadership in civil legal services. It is presented to those who “blaze a trail” for future generations while building a more inclusive and diverse legal community.

Awarded to: Tracy Pitcher, MSW Executive Director St. Paul’s Center

Tracy is being honored for her incredible career and leadership as the Executive Director of the St. Paul’s Center. Since joining The Center in 2013, Tracy has helped evaluate every aspect of the homeless services agency to align resources that improved service quality, demonstrated greater fiscal stewardship, and expand housing services for unhoused families to include rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. Tracy’s powerful advocacy and long-time support of LASNNY have impacted the lives of so many.

William E. (Bill) Byron Equal Justice Award

Named for LASNNY’s only non-attorney Board President, this award recognizes a champion who has preserved or defended civil legal rights in New York State and worked to ensure equal access to justice for low-income and vulnerable people.

Awarded to: Michelle Sandoz-Dennis, Cares of NY & Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee (RRJAC)

Michelle is the Chief Executive Officer of CARES of NY Inc., based in Albany, New York. A passionate advocate for systemic change in the homelessness sector, Michelle leads strategic initiatives across more than 30 counties in New York State, fostering community-level partnerships that drive meaningful progress. Michelle is being honored for her steadfast leadership in advancing justice and driving the advisory committee’s efforts to create meaning.

Justice for All Award- Law Firm

This award celebrates a law firm’s exceptional commitment to LASNNY and civil legal services, demonstrated through pro bono work, mentorship, training, volunteerism, or program and financial support.

Awarded to: Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, Paul J. Buehler III, Esq. 

Bond, Schoeneck & King is being honored for the tremendous and impactful pro bono support the firm provides to LASNNY. While the firm serves individuals, companies, and public-sector entities in a broad range of areas, its commitment to pro bono service has been a valued pillar of our partnership. This year’s award especially recognizes the outstanding efforts of Paul J. Buehler III, Esq., whose dedication to pro bono representation to LASNNY exemplifies the spirit of the Justice for All Award and has made a lasting difference for our clients.

Justice for All Award- Individual

Presented to an individual whose dedication to justice and service to the community exemplifies LASNNY’s mission of equal access to justice for all.

Awarded to: Elisabeth Ruthman, PhD

Elisabeth is being honored for her commitment to legal services and the continued support of LASNNY’s mission and value. She is a former professor of French literature at UAlbany and Union College. Her husband Rex Ruthman served on the LASNNY Board of Directors from 1969 to 1979. Elisabeth continues to honor her husband’s memory by supporting LASNNY’s work.

Community Partner Award

Recognizes a community partner (non-attorney individual or group) whose collaboration and advocacy strengthen LASNNY’s work and promote access to justice.

Awarded to: St. Joseph’s Outreach Center

Since 1935, St. Joseph’s Church and St. Joseph’s Community Outreach Center have been a cornerstone of compassion and service in the North Country. Guided by its Catholic faith and mission to welcome and serve all of God’s children, the Center has built a community where every person is valued—regardless of age, background, identity, or life circumstance. St. Joseph’s is being honored for its work in marginalized communities and in partnership with LASNNY to prevent evictions. 

Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Pro Bono Award

Honors a private attorney whose years of dedicated pro bono service—through client representation, clinics, mentoring, or trainings—have made a significant difference in the lives of low-income clients.

Awarded to: Dena Defazio, Esq.

Dena is an associate at Barclay Damon LLP, focuses her practice on regulatory and compliance issues in the health care and human services industry and not-for-profit governance matters. Prior to law school, Dena earned her MSW from the University at Buffalo and worked as a social worker providing supervised visitation and clinical counseling to parents with children in foster care. Dena is being honored for her years and many hours of pro bono service and role in recruiting new volunteers to PAI.

Justice for All Campaign

This gathering also provides an important opportunity for law firms to make their annual pledges to the Justice for All Campaign, a vital initiative that has strengthened our mission for over 20 years. Your continued partnership enables us to expand access to justice and serve vulnerable populations throughout northeastern New York.

A Night of Celebration and Commitment

More than an awards ceremony, this event represents our shared commitment to justice and the power of community collaboration. Together, we are changing the landscape of legal aid—one case, one partnership, one pledge at a time.

The Historic Canfield Casino provides an elegant backdrop for this meaningful celebration, where past meets present in our ongoing work for justice.

Sponsorship Level Information

Become a Sponsor

Purchase Tickets

Thank you to our Sponsors: