All Posts Press Releases NLS Paralegal Darlene Westphal Honored with Statewide Phil Dailey Award for Excellence in Access to Justice 09/25/26 Albany, NY — Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) is honored to announce that Darlene Westphal, Senior Paralegal in the Batavia Office, has been selected to receive the Phil Dailey Award, the New York State Bar Association’s highest recognition for non‑attorney staff advancing equal access to justice. Darlene is the first NLS team member ever chosen for this statewide distinction. The award was presented at the Denison Ray Civil Award Ceremony and Dinner during the 2026 NYSBA Partnership Conference on September 23, 2026, in Albany. For more than 25 years, Darlene has been a lifeline for clients navigating complex disability benefit systems. Her advocacy at federal administrative hearings, her persistence in securing retroactive payments, and her commitment to clients who cannot work or support themselves have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in restored benefits for Western New Yorkers. “Darlene’s work changes lives. She is a compassionate and zealous advocate who consistently exceeds expectations,” said Executive Director William (Bill) O’Connell. “Her dedication embodies the mission of NLS, and we are thrilled to see her receive this well‑deserved honor.” Attorney Timothy Banker added, “Darlene is a beacon of hope and triumph for her clients, and a source of inspiration and encouragement for her coworkers.” ###### About Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. – NLS is a not-for-profit public interest law firm founded in 1976; to provide free legal representation for western New York residents who face financial vulnerability, disability, discrimination, or abuse. Our offices serve Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. A 501© 3 organization, NLS is primarily funded by the Legal Services Corporation, the Office of Court Administration, and the Interest on the Lawyer Account Fund of the State of New York.