Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to Recognize the Hon. Lyndon D. Williams, Deborah A. Scalise, Esq., and Cliff Weber, Esq. and The PCSB Community Foundation at the 2026 Equal Access to Justice Gala
(WHITE PLAINS, NY) – August 24, 2026 – Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) will host its annual Equal Access to Justice Gala on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York. This year’s gala will shine a spotlight on the critical role civil legal aid plays in preventing homelessness, preserving housing stability, and helping families build safer, more secure futures.
The evening will honor three distinguished leaders whose service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening communities embody LSHV’s mission of ensuring equal access to justice for all: Hon. Lyndon D. Williams, Deborah A. Scalise, Esq., Cliff Weber, Esq., and The PCSB Community Foundation.
More than 300 leaders from the legal, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities are expected to attend LSHV’s premier fundraising event. Guests will learn how access to legal services helps families remain safely housed, empowers survivors of domestic violence, protects older adults, supports veterans, advocates for children, and ensures that justice is never limited by a person’s financial circumstances.
LSHV Chief Executive Officer Rachel Halperin highlighted the significance of the upcoming Gala and the vital role of LSHV’s supporters in advancing access to justice:
“Access to justice is about more than resolving legal issues—it’s about preserving stability, protecting opportunity, and strengthening the communities we all call home. Every year, the Equal Access to Justice Gala brings together people who believe that justice should never depend on a person’s income. It is an opportunity to celebrate extraordinary leadership while reaffirming our shared commitment to ensuring that every neighbor can move forward with dignity, stability, and hope.”
ABOUT THE HONOREES
Champion of Justice Award – The Honorable Lyndon D. Williams
The Honorable Lyndon D. Williams is a retired City Court Judge, attorney, educator, and longtime public servant dedicated to advancing justice and strengthening communities throughout Westchester County. During his tenure on the bench, he presided over a broad range of criminal and civil matters and spearheaded the creation of the Mount Vernon Emerging Adult Justice Part, an innovative initiative providing young adults with pathways to rehabilitation and success.
Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Williams spent 12 years on the Westchester County Board of Legislators, including four years as Vice-Chairman, and previously served as President of the Mount Vernon City Council for three terms. He holds degrees from Bernard M. Baruch College and Pace University School of Law and remains engaged in public Service as Chairman of the Westchester County Charter Revision Commission, Administrative Law Judge for Westchester County, and a leader in numerous civic and professional organizations.
A lifelong advocate for opportunity, fairness, and community empowerment, Judge Williams has dedicated his career to improving lives through public service, education, and leadership.
Partner in Justice Award – Deborah A. Scalise, Esq.
A principal of Scalise & Hamilton, P.C. in Scarsdale, New York, Ms. Scalise focuses on representing lawyers, judges, and accountants in professional responsibility and ethics matters. Throughout her distinguished career in public service and private practice, she has earned recognition as a leader in legal ethics, professionalism, and attorney discipline.
Before entering private practice, Ms. Scalise served as Deputy Attorney General in Charge of Public Advocacy for the Westchester Region, Deputy Chief Counsel to the Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department, and as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County. She has authored numerous publications on ethics and professional responsibility, served on the New York State Office of Court Administration Continuing Legal Education Board, and remains committed to mentoring future legal professionals.
Her honors include the New York State Bar Association’s Ruth G. Shapiro Memorial Award and recognition from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for her longstanding support, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in the legal profession.
Community Partner in Justice Award – Cliff Weber, Esq. & The PCSB Community Foundation
The PCSB Community Foundation, established in 2017, carries forward PCSB Bank’s 150-year tradition of philanthropy and community engagement. Through more than $350,000 in annual grants and resources each year, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for Hudson Valley residents.
Cliff Weber, Esq., longtime banking attorney and community leader, helps guide this important work. Mr. Weber has dedicated more than four decades to serving the banking industry and has been a steadfast advocate for community-based organizations throughout the region. He has been a valued member of the boards of both Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and the PCSB Community Foundation for several years, providing leadership and ongoing support for programs that strengthen and uplift local communities.
Together, the PCSB Community Foundation and Cliff Weber exemplify the power of partnership, philanthropy, and civic leadership to create lasting, positive change throughout the Hudson Valley.
The 2026 Equal Access to Justice Gala is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and community partners who share Legal Services of the Hudson Valley’s commitment to equal access to justice. Their partnership helps ensure the success of this special evening while advancing LSHV’s mission to provide critical civil legal services throughout the Hudson Valley.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and an inspiring program featuring client stories, remarks from LSHV leadership, a keynote speaker, and recognition of this year’s honorees. Guests will also have an opportunity to support the organization’s Fund-a-Need, helping to expand access to critical legal services for individuals and families.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and digital journal advertisements are available.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit: LSHV 2026 Gala | Powered By GiveSmart
ABOUT LEGAL SERVICES OF THE HUDSON VALLEY
Founded in 1967, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is the only provider of free, comprehensive civil legal services across seven counties in the Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster. LSHV provides high-quality legal representation to low-income individuals, families, and other vulnerable residents facing critical civil legal issues, including housing, domestic violence, healthcare, public benefits, elder law, disability advocacy, veterans’ services, children’s advocacy, and consumer protection.
Last year alone, LSHV handled more than 12,000 legal matters, served more than 9,000 clients, and positively impacted nearly 28,000 household members across the Hudson Valley. Through thousands of acts of advocacy, the organization helped families remain housed, protected survivors of abuse, preserved financial stability, and ensured that justice was accessible regardless of income.
For more information about Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, and to learn how you can support its mission, please visit www.lshv.org or contact Dr. Jazmine Leon, Chief Development Officer, at 914-368-2662 or jleon@lshv.org.