OH WHAT FUN! at the Art of Lawyering fundraiser

In an upbeat, social atmosphere, guests assembled for the 6th VLSP Art of Lawyering fundraiser on Oct. 19.

“The best one yet,” said one faithful attendee who stuck around until bid sheets were collected.

More food, more entertainment, and more auction items all contributed to the festive atmosphere at Village Gate.

At left, Judi Fonzi, Mary Grace Piazza, and Jim Fonzi enjoy a glass of Constellation’s donated wine before moving on to peruse the nearly 70 auction packages ranging from original art work to experiences like dinner parties and theatre tickets.

“I can’t believe I won the knitting lessons,” squealed Josie Sheppard as she bounced around the checkout table. “I can’t believe I am going to learn to knit!”


A performance by Biodance took advantage of the vast Village Gate space as the quartet of dancers made their way through the crowd. Black Button Distillery offered samplings of some fine adult beverages and Special Counsel serenaded the first 90 minutes of event.

“Thanks to all who attended, all who contributed, and all who came out for one of the most worthwhile events of the year,” noted David Tennant, event co-chair.

Long-time VLSP Executive Director Sheila Gaddis was there along with her successor, Tina Foster.

A live mannequin served as part of the entertainment, and the cash and carry boutique had some highly sought-after “lawyered up” tee shirts, wearable art designed by famed Texas lawyer/artist Charles Fincher who supported Art of Lawyering in 2015 and again this year.

Written by Nora A. Jones

Bob Hooks shares his experience ‘outside his comfort zone’

Willow Domestic Violence Center (formerly Alternatives for Battered Women) has provided services in the Rochester community for nearly 40 years. Many still think of it as ABW but the Willow Center’s new name and location have helped it broaden its reach.

Robert Hooks, partner at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, has 30 years of commercial litigation experience, and for nearly a decade, he has been stepping far outside his comfort zone to participate in the advice clinics held at Willow Center every other month.

“VLSP staff attorney Mary Beth Conway explains the services offered by VLSP and Legal Aid, and we listen to what the attendees have to say,” Hooks shares. “Most abused individuals are in relationships where their partner also controls the finances. They don’t understand their property rights or how the system works.”

Conway is the perfect Willow Center liaison as she also holds a Child Custody Clinic at VLSP offices twice a month and has years of experience in family/matrimonial law.

“The Willow Center clinics are very much a general advice clinics,” Conway says. “It is a group setting and there is always an opportunity for the individuals to ask questions.”

“There is never the same fact pattern,” Hooks adds. “Women from out-of- state or other countries often raise cross jurisdictional complications. The clinic participants may be from the city, the suburbs, or surrounding counties. Sometimes we see men who are abused. It is often women, but not
only women. They all have a story and they refuse to give up. The survivor instinct crosses all economic, age, and racial divides.”

Margaret Kreiss, Counseling Program Coordinator at Willow Center explains: “Domestic violence survivors often face multiple legal barriers in ultimately finding safety for themselves and their families. Willow has partnered with VLSP for over 15 years to meet this need, and to advise and empower survivors.”

Kreiss has been with Willow Center for nine years and adds, “The help and guidance VLSP and Mary Beth have provided our survivors is truly amazing.”

Written by Nora A. Jones