To honor an individual, not necessarily a lawyer, who has contributed to New York State in a manner that reflects Dean Burns’ commitment to the struggle for justice and the qualities that made him an outstanding advocate for civil rights and the empowerment of the powerless.
Congratulations to this year’s Haywood Burns Award Winner Rachel Chazin Halperin, J.D., L.M.S.W.
Rachel Chazin Halperin, J.D., L.M.S.W., has been working as an advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations for the last 25 years. Appointed as CEO in 2021, she oversees every aspect of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.
Rachel joined LSHV in 2014 as Deputy Director and was promoted to Chief Program Officer in 2016. In her role as CEO, her priorities remain steadfast in the belief that everyone should have the right to legal counsel regardless of their socio-economic status and that LSHV is an organization with a social justice mission.
After graduating from law school, Rachel worked for four years as a staff attorney and then supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia where she represented low income residents in family, housing, and public benefits cases. In 2004, Rachel became the Legal Director of My Sister’s Place, the largest domestic violence service provider in Westchester County, NY. From 2008 – 2014, Rachel worked at HELP USA as the Executive Director of Domestic Violence Programs – including HELP Haven emergency shelter and HELP ROADS non-residential domestic violence program. While at HELP USA, Rachel started several programs including a Transitional Housing Project, Economic Empowerment Program, and Trauma-Informed Childcare Center.
Rachel received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her M.S.W. from New York University School of Social Work. She received her B.A. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the NYS Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, the NYS Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Aid, and the Co-Chair of the Westchester County Bar Association’s Committee on Attorney Wellness.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2025 Lillian M. Moy
2024 Remla Parthasarathy
2023 Hon. Betty E. Staton
2022 No Award Presented
2021 No Award Presented
2020 Armen H. Merjian, Esq.
2019 John R. Dunne, Esq.
2018 Esmeralda Simmons, Esq.
2017 Frederick K. Brewington, Esq.
2016 Vincent Warren
2015 Glenn D. Magpantay, Esq.
2014 Robert Gangi
2013 Howard Glickstein, Esq.
2012 Bryan D. Hetherington, Esq.
2011 Cesar A. Perales, Esq.
2010 Mary Crisalli Sansone
2009 Dr. Parveen Chopra
2008 Donna Lieberman
2007 John F. Boston
2006 Hon. Cornelius Blackshear
2005 Laurie M. Lambrix, Esq.
2004 Leroy Wilson, Jr., Esq.
2003 Juan A. Figueroa
2002 Hon. Ellen M. Yacknin
2001 Rockwell J. Chin, Esq.
2000 Hon. Pam Badoria Jackman Brown, Esq.
1999 Prof. Randolph M. Scott-McLaughlin