Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has announced the appointment of Stephanie Perez to Administrator of the Westchester County Independent Office of Assigned Counsel (OAC). Perez brings a wealth of experience, previously serving as Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Office. The OAC is primarily responsible for providing mandated legal representation for individuals in criminal and family court cases in Westchester.
Jenkins said: “Stephanie Perez is more than deserving of this promotion, and she brings with her both experience, as well as a strong commitment to ensuring representation for those who may not be able to afford an attorney on their own. I am confident that under Perez’s leadership, we will continue to see our Office of Assigned Counsel ensure fairness and access to justice for all as they navigate the legal system.”
Perez said: “Having served as the Deputy Administrator for the past two years I have had the pleasure of helping to create the foundation for the establishment of the Office of Assigned Counsel. I am incredibly proud of the Office and what we have created, and all of the success we have achieved. I humbly accept the appointment as Administrator and am eager to continuing working towards the success of the Office and the panel as a whole. My sincere thanks goes to the County Executive, the Board of Directors, and the Board of Legislators for entrusting me with this duty.”
Perez oversees more than 250 lawyers who are part of the Assigned Counsel Panel, the largest provider of mandated representation in Westchester County. In addition to representing clients who cannot afford to hire an attorney in both Criminal and Family proceedings, the OAC is responsible for ensuring the panel attorneys are well-qualified, have access to the resources needed to practice law at the highest level, and are paid with County and/or State funds as determined by New York State Law.