The Legal Aid Society of Rochester

06/11/2026

Our team was well represented at the Western and Central NY Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators Annual Conference! Louise Spinelli is the WCNY Chapter President and colleagues Bill Davis, Jen Ralph, and our two newest staffers Aida Afonso and David Wyman also attended.
You might notice some Telesca Center for Justice partners too - Empire Justice Center's Shannon Swiatek, Michelle Peterson, and Kelly McBride.

06/05/2026

Excellence in Law

06/05/2026

Proud to have three Excellence in Law award recipients on our team!

Congratulations to Kathleen O’Brien on being recognized with the Paralegal award.

Likewise, cheers to Vivian Aquilina and Natasha Burdick who received the Top Women in Law award.

Kudos to our legal rockstars who deserve to have their outstanding work and dedication put in the limelight!
The Daily Record RBJ

05/28/2026

Another enjoyable Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA) Installation Dinner!
Leigh Ann Chute, GRAWA’s Nominating Committee chair, is joined here by LASROC Director Lauren Pienkowski and LASROC board member Denine Carr.
Congratulations to new GRAWA President Leah Tarantino Cintineo!
Underberg & Kessler LLP
Women's Bar Association of the State of NY

05/17/2026

Standing in what will be the LASROC office, Lauren Pienkowski checking out progress at the
Willow Domestic Violence Center of Greater Rochester’s Family Justice Center’s buildout.

This project is the result of extensive collaboration among Willow, community partners, and state officials.
Once open, the center will provide a wide range of services under one roof—legal and civil advocacy, counseling, forensic exams, evidence collection, housing support, a food pantry, clothing closet, and trauma-informed shared spaces that accommodate survivors, their children, and even their pets.

05/08/2026

Leigh Ann Chute gathers with fellow Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA) members at the Monroe County Bar Association & The Center for Youth event to raise funds for the outstanding Teen Court program.
This diversionary court focuses on restorative justice for nonviolent offenses. Through the process, 16-18 year olds learn responsibility to society through community service and educational sentencing.
Keep up the good work!
Photo credit to Cassandra Rich, the unofficial photographer at legal events. 😀

05/05/2026

Senator Jeremy Cooney is recognizing Carla Palumbo's achievements this evening at the Women of Distinction Celebration.
Congratulations to Carla and all the dedicated women who strive to improve the lives of New Yorkers!

New York State Senate

04/15/2026

Carla Palumbo will be honored by Willow Domestic Violence Center of Greater Rochester for her work in advancing access to justice.
Carla began her career representing domestic violence clients which makes this recognition extremely heartfelt. And our ongoing relationship with Willow stands the test of time.
Congratulations Carla, Willow, and the Baker Girls!

04/02/2026

Congressman Joe Morelle presented Carla Palumbo with a Congressional Record recognition as part of Women's History Month, honoring her leadership and commitment to justice. From her early days advocating for domestic violence clients to growing LAS’s reach, her impact on improving the lives of women and families has been tremendous.

03/19/2026

Excited for the gala where Carla Palumbo will be honored with the Jaime Saunders Shine the Light award. This is given each year to honor an individual or group who is putting the spotlight on domestic violence and raising awareness of the importance of the life-saving work Willow does.

Join us at the 2026 Willow Ball, presented by the Molly & Ed Shill Cares Foundations. The Willow Ball is an inspiring night where our community comes together to support survivors and help build a future filled with safety, justice, healing, and hope. 💜

📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
📍 Arbor Midtown (183 E Main St, Rochester, New York 14604)

Together, we can unlock safer futures.

Learn more and reserve your spot: willowny.org/ball