CLERK OF THE BOARD - Office of Assigned Counsel Annual Report - 2025

This is the Office of Assigned Counsel (OAC) Annual Report for 2025. The OAC is Westchester County's largest provider of mandated legal representation for low-income individuals in Criminal and Family Courts, operating under County Law Chapter 186 and overseen by the NY State Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS).

Key Highlights and Activities in 2025:

• Funding: Primarily funded by state grants from ILS, including Distribution Funding and Hurrell-Haring Settlement Funds. In 2025, the Hurrell-Haring grant saw a 25.71% increase, with an additional $279,840 allocated to the OAC for a second accountant and attorney training.
• Operations: The OAC managed over 17,500 cases in 2025. They streamlined attorney billing with Phase 2 of their online system, enhancing accuracy and preparing for a paperless transition. A new lawyer resource portal, "The Hub," was launched.
• Access to Counsel: Initiatives included staffing centralized weekend/holiday arraignments and launching a phone system for jail residents to contact attorneys. They also secured office space in the County Courthouse for panel attorneys.
• Attorney Support: Focused on attorney wellness, screening, mentorship programs (ACP@ACP), and expanded use of the Second Chair program for serious cases. They also facilitated the use of investigators, social workers, and experts.
• Staffing: Stephanie Perez was appointed Administrator in June 2025. A search for a Deputy Administrator is ongoing. The accounting department saw changes with temporary replacements and the addition of a second accountant position funded by the Hurrell-Haring grant.
• Training: Provided numerous CLE programs and virtual meetings on topics relevant to indigent representation, with plans to become an accredited CLE provider. The second annual "Pannual" conference is planned for April 2026.
• Objectives for 2026: Focus on expanding the digital billing platform, increasing early access to counsel, implementing quality standards, submitting reimbursement claims, and continuing attorney training.