LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James T. Towne, Jr., Esq. upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of The Legal Project Champion Award

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James T.
Towne, Jr., Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
The Legal Project Champion Award; this momentous occasion was celebrated
at its Pro Bono Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the
Century House, Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Project Champion Award is given to an individual
who has made a tremendous difference in supporting the work of The Legal
Project and promoting its goal of access to justice for all; and
WHEREAS, James T. Towne, Jr. has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, After honorably serving his country as a member of the United
States Navy, James T. Towne, Jr. earned his law degree from Albany Law
School; and
WHEREAS, James T. Towne, Jr. went on to become a founding partner of
Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C., the largest certified WBE law firm in
Upstate New York, as well as in 57 of the 62 counties of New York; the
firm is dedicated to pairing quality legal services with individual
client attention in order to achieve desired objectives; and
WHEREAS, Widely respected in the legal community for his dedication to
pro bono work, James T. Towne, Jr. has been appearing on the list of
Upstate New York Super Lawyers for nine consecutive years, and on the
"Top 25" Hudson Valley Lawyers List; and
WHEREAS, Active within his community, James T. Towne, Jr. gives of his
time and energies to countless local non-profits, and serves on the
Boards of such organizations as the Legal Aid Society, Leukemia/Lymphoma
Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society; he is also a Trustee for
the Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Through his steadfast and unremitting commitment to pro bono
service, James T. Towne, Jr. has been instrumental in filling the gap of
the unmet legal needs in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, James T. Towne, Jr. has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which James T. Towne, Jr. has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James T. Towne, Jr., Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of The Legal Project Champion Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James T. Towne, Jr., Esq.