Members of the judicial and legislative branches of state and county government were on hand for the grand opening late yesterday afternoon of the Legal Aid Society of Westchester’s (LASW) new Training Center in downtown White Plains.
Located at LASW’s headquarters at 150 Grand Street, the 6,337-square-foot Training Center features a cutting-edge Moot Courtroom, two spacious conference rooms, two offices, and three public areas: reception, kitchenette, and lounge which also double as breakout areas. A Moot Courtroom simulates a real court environment to give law students an opportunity to put their learning into practice. It also can be used by attorneys in their trial preparation. The Moot Courtroom uses the latest technology including four large video screens that seamlessly connect to all other screens in the Center.
“This Training Center came out of our mission to improve mandated representation across New York State, and particularly in the ninth Judicial District, which incorporates Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland counties. Our purpose is to provide training for all of the public defenders and Family Court representation within the Ninth Judicial District,” said LASW Executive Director Clare J. Degnan. “Young attorneys need to understand that they can be incredible advocates to stand up for their clients and push back at any injustices or biases. But the way to do that is to practice in an area that you’re comfortable with. That means you get comfortable in a courtroom like this. You can take that skill set outside and do what you need to do as a public defender in the real world.”
Degnan noted that the Training Center is not just for lawyers but is for the entire community.
LASW provides free criminal and family court al representation to persons who are unable to afford an attorney. It also handles appeals and post-conviction matters for its clients. The staff includes experienced defense attorneys, family court attorneys, social workers, investigators, and professional support individuals.
