2026 Equal Access to Justice Gala

About the Gala        

Our Annual Gala is the signature fundraising event for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), bringing together a powerful network of nearly 300 leaders, advocates, and community members from the legal, business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. This inspiring evening celebrates our unwavering mission to protect and promote the rights of those who cannot afford legal representation. It highlights the extraordinary individuals and organizations who stand with us in that fight.

As our premier fundraiser of the year, the Gala is critical in sustaining LSHV's free legal services for low-income individuals and families across the region. The funds raised directly support our efforts to prevent homelessness, protect survivors of domestic violence, uphold the rights of people with disabilities, and ensure access to justice for vulnerable communities.

The event is more than a celebration-it reflects our collective impact and shared vision for a fairer, more equitable society. Through powerful stories, heartfelt tributes, and meaningful connections, guests leave the Gala inspired to champion justice and deepen their commitment to LSHV's mission.

Join us as we honor those who have made a difference and rally together to continue building a community where justice is not a privilege, but a right.

Our Esteemed Honorees

HONORABLE LYNDON D. WILLIAMS was elected as a City Court Judge in 2020 and retired in 2025 after presiding over a broad range of criminal and civil proceedings, including spearheading the creation of the Mount Vernon Emerging Adult Justice Part ("MVEAJP"), a second-chance initiative for young adults ages 18-25 that provides alternatives to incarceration through education, counseling, job training, and community support.

Prior to joining the Court, he served for 12 years on the Westchester County Board of Legislators, including four years as Vice-Chairman, where he championed initiatives involving criminal justice reform, affordable housing, healthcare, youth services, workforce development, and education, and earlier served as President of the Mount Vernon City Council for three terms. Mr. Williams earned degrees from Bernard M. Baruch College and Pace University School of Law, became a Certified Public Accountant, and is admitted to practice before numerous state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

  DEBORAH A. SCALISE, ESQ. is a principal of SCALISE & HAMILTON, P.C. in Scarsdale, New York, where she focuses on representing lawyers, judges, and accountants in professional responsibility and ethics matters. Prior to private practice, she 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. A respected leader in legal ethics, Ms. Scalise has authored numerous articles, lectured extensively, and served on the New York State Office of Court Administration Continuing Legal Education Board. She is actively involved in bar associations and community outreach initiatives, mentoring future legal professionals and promoting ethical practice. Her distinguished career has earned numerous honors, including the New York State Bar Association's Ruth G. Shapiro Memorial Award and recognition from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for her counsel, mentorship, and commitment to professionalism.

Our Esteemed Honorees

CLIFF WEBER, ESQ. & THE PCSB COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, The PCSB Community Foundation, established in 2017, operates as an independent nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting causes aligned with the Foundation's mission. It carries forward the philanthropic traditions that were originally established by PCSB Bank. Building upon PCSB Bank's 150-year history of giving, the Foundation remains committed to empowering local communities by fostering genuine empathy, respect, and support. It also serves as a dedicated steward of the community and a catalyst for meaningful positive change.

The Foundation's mission includes providing over $350,000 in grants and resources to local nonprofit organizations every year, making a significant impact on the well-being and development of the communities it serves. This commitment to giving back is a testament to the organization's dedication to making a positive difference and supporting local neighbors in thriving.

Cliff Weber has been a valued member of the boards of both LSHV and the PCSB Community Foundation for several years, providing steadfast leadership and ongoing support for community programs.

CLIFF WEBER, ESQ., has represented financial institutions in corporate, regulatory and transactional matters for 40 years. From 2016 through 2022, he served as General Counsel of PCSB Bank and its parent holding company, PCSB Financial Corporation, a public company and registered bank holding company. He was a partner in HHK's banking practice from 2000 to 2016. Previously, he served as Counsel to the New York State Assembly Committee on Insurance and as General Counsel to the Community Bankers Association of New York State. Cliff Weber is a past Chairman of the New York State Bar Association Banking Law Committee. He is a director of PCSB Community Foundation and is a former director of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and Feeding Westchester. Mr. Weber earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and his B.A. from the State University of
New York at Buffalo.

Mr. Weber's practice includes:

- Dealing with financial regulators on client transactions, applications, examinations and enforcement actions.
- Advising senior management and governing boards of community banks and their holding companies on strategic issues, transactions, corporate structure, regulatory compliance, investments and activities.
- Advising operations, lending and audit staff regarding consumer compliance laws and regulations.
- Representation of financial institutions in business combinations, structural changes, branch transactions, charter conversion and commercial agreements.

In addition, Mr. Weber has authored numerous articles on financial institution law.

Emcee

TARA ROSENBLUM is a veteran anchor, host, and investigative reporter for the News 12 Network, specializing in political reporting, breaking news, and investigative journalism. One of the most decorated local television journalists in the nation, she has earned more than 300 industry awards, including two National Edward R. Murrow Awards, 71 Emmy Awards, and 221 Emmy nominations. Tara has covered major national and international events, interviewed presidents and world leaders, and led award-winning investigations that have influenced public policy and garnered international attention. A familiar and cherished presence at the Equal Access to Justice Gala, Tara returns as our emcee, bringing her passion for storytelling and commitment to community service to the evening's celebration.

Keynote Speaker

 RANSOM WYDNER is the Head of Partnerships at Ethena, a New York based compliance and learning platform. Wydner is an advocate for the accessibility and use of technology as a tool to assist in legal services, and believes that the law belongs to all Americans-just like public parks and libraries.