Learning as we grow - and growing daily

Local attorney Sandra Williams won two prestigious pro bono awards in recent weeks (New York State Bar Association’s 2015 President’s Pro Bono Service Award and the VLSP William E. McKnight Volunteer Service Award), but she’ll be the first to admit it is often a learn-as-you-go process.
She has extensive experience in banking services, investment products and asset management from her initial post-law school employment, but she is willing to go outside her area of expertise without reservation, representing VLSP clients in unemployment insurance hearings and other quality-of-life matters. She serves as an Attorney for the Children, providing a voice for minors in many kinds of court proceedings including juvenile delinquency, custody and visitation and child protective proceedings.

Sharing a story about a 5-year-old client, Sandra said that she asked the little girl to draw a picture of her family.

“That was at her father’s house,” Sandra explained. “All I had was the yellow legal pad. She drew the picture. Then I asked her again at her mother’s house to repeat this exercise. This time she lost her patience. ‘Lined paper is not for drawing, next time bring drawing paper,’ the child admonished. Clearly, I still have things to learn,” she laughed.

“I am glad to be the voice of these children,” Sandra added. “I feel like I empower them during these difficult proceedings.”

Sandra’s dedication to the issues faced by indigent and low income clients certainly has not impaired her sense of humor. When asked about pets or outside interests, she replied:

“No cats. No Dogs. I had two goldfish (Dominick and Yuppie). I was not good at looking after them and they died. I thought that I needed to change the water often, but I shouldn’t have. [Lesson learned.] I am still distraught. I moan the loss of Yuppie more so because I strongly believe that goldfish looked forward to me coming home.”

This humorous and humble solo practitioner was born in Jamaica but spent much of her youth in Rochester, completing her undergraduate studies at St. John Fisher and her law degree at SUNY Buffalo Law School. Admitted to the bar in 1997, she spent more than a decade in Paris but is delighted to be back in Rochester. Sandra enjoys jogging, bicycling, and outdoor activities, when the weather is warm.

Written by Nora A. Jones

$25 a week for new Syracuse Law Grad

That’s what Seymour Weinstein was earning in 1952 when he started to practice law in Rochester. Now he makes even less, since he joined the New York Courts Attorney Emeritus Program, volunteering predominantly at Volunteer Legal Services Project since retiring from Weinstein & Randisi.
Weinstein served in the U.S. Navy right out of high school, earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester before going to law school at Syracuse University School of Law. After a year of experience at a Rochester firm, Weinstein partnered with Leonard Maas in 1953 and opened the law practice that evolved through several name changes to Weinstein & Randisi LLP at Linden Oaks.

Throughout his career, Weinstein handled all kinds of cases but he ultimately focused on wills, trusts and estate planning.

“VLSP staff and clients appreciate Mr. Weinstein’s vast knowledge of these subject areas, along with his exceptionally pleasant demeanor,” noted Ann Williams, VLSP attorney in charge of Health Law, which includes wills, standby guardianships, and other end-of-life-matters.

Talking about the large under-privileged population in the area, Weinstein explained: “Most inner city residents don’t have wills. The last parent dies and the adult children are interested in saving the home.”

The problem is, the home’s value may be diminished by declining property values in the neighborhood. Between unpaid mortgage and property taxes, it may not be worth saving the property.

With years of experience, Weinstein knows how to advise clients for the best result.

Written by Nora A. Jones