The Legal Aid Society of Rochester Ushers in its 106th Year With the Next Generation of Leadership at the Helm
[ROCHESTER, NY] After 42 extraordinary years with The Legal Aid Society of Rochester [LASROC], Carla M. Palumbo, Esq. will retire at the end of 2026. Starting her career as a staff attorney in 1984, Carla has held many positions at The Legal Aid Society, culminating in that of President and CEO for the past 12 years. She is responsible for several notable achievements, including greatly expanding LASROC’s staff, budget, and services for people who need critical civil legal assistance.
After a national search, the Board of Directors has selected Lauren Pienkowski, Esq. to serve as the next President and CEO of The Legal Aid Society, effective January 1, 2027. Lauren currently serves as the Director of Program Strategies and Retention and Director of the Civil Division. Lauren started her career at LASROC in the Family Law Unit, where she represented domestic violence survivors. She then moved into the Housing and Consumer Law Unit, where she provided legal representation in eviction matters, eventually specializing in foreclosure actions. In 2021, Lauren was appointed to the newly created position of Director of Legal Recruitment and Professional Development.
“In the 13 years that Lauren has been with LASROC, she has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and unfailing commitment to this community’s underserved population,” stated Carla Palumbo. “She has not only prioritized expanding access to justice for our clients but also in fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture for our staff.”
Only the second woman to lead LASROC, “Lauren represents the next generation of leadership for the agency – innovative, collaborative, and mission driven,” said LASROC Board of Directors’ Chair Lindsay Rabitz. “LASROC’s longevity and dedication to access to justice for our clients will continue during this leadership transition and beyond.”
When Lauren considered this next step in her career path, she commented “I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue the important work of LASROC in our community. Together with our dedicated staff and community partners, we will build on LASROC’s strong foundation and continue to expand access to justice.”
ABOUT THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER, NY
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY is one of the oldest civil legal service providers in the country, tracing its roots back to the Women's Education and Industrial Union, founded in 1893 with the help of Susan B. Anthony. For more than a century, LASROC has provided direct civil legal services to low and moderate-income residents in Monroe and surrounding counties and is committed to supporting clients through critical moments in their lives.
For a complete list of services and more information about The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY please visit LASROC.org.