The Everson Museum of Art and Hiscock Legal Aid Society have named Cazenovia residents, the Honorable Stewart F. Hancock, Jr. and his wife, Ruth Hancock, as honorary chairpersons for VOICES, a fundraiser to be held on October 6, 2011 at the Everson Museum of Art from 5:30-8:30p.m.
The Everson Museum of Art and the Hiscock Legal Aid Society are both causes very close to the hearts of the Hancocks.
“I was lucky to have grown up in the days of the old Everson Museum,” said Ruth Hancock. “Those facilities and programs inspired an appreciation in my generation of the importance of art in many aspects of our lives. And so the Everson continues to inspire the voices of my children and my grandchildren. I want to make sure the Everson is here to encourage the voices of the next generation.”
In addition to the art, photography and sculptures on display at the Everson during the night of VOICES, a variety of local musical groups will be on hand to celebrate the act of finding one’s voice, whether through art or legal advocacy.
Although Judge Hancock retired from the bench 18 years ago, at 88 years old, he is still extremely active in the legal community.
The only difference is that now he volunteers his time and expertise as an appeals attorney and board member for the Hiscock Legal Aid Society to help those who can’t afford legal assistance to find their voice in a court of law.
“The Appeals Division is overloaded,” Judge Hancock said. “Since I have the background, expertise and ability to help, I’m going to keep doing so as long as I can.”
After leaving Hancock and Estabrook, LLP early in his career and later returning as counsel, Hancock served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice and was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1986.
Hancock represents numerous clients every year at the appeals level, most of whom could not otherwise afford an attorney.
“Our legal system requires that defendants have proper representation or the system doesn’t work,” Hancock said. “It’s a tremendously important service, and particularly so during a period of economic downturn when the need is even greater.”
Supporting those unable to afford legal representation not only helps the clients but also provides intrinsic value for Hancock—one of the main reasons why he continues to lend a helping hand.
Ruth Hancock appreciates the manner in which the Hiscock Legal Aid Society helps women to overcome challenges and to succeed in becoming self-sufficient.
“As I watch women in this community take on more and more responsibility for themselves and for their community, I know Hiscock Legal Aid Society is playing a big role in extending this empowerment to all women. It is important that Hiscock continues to help these voices to be heard.”
Susan Horn, president and CEO at Hiscock Legal Aid Society, has known Judge Hancock since he joined the Board of Directors.
“He has certainly walked the walk and talked the talk,” Horn said. “We need support from the community and Judge Hancock speaks very eloquently in support of our work and agencies like ours.”
Hancock has spent 3-5 years working on appeals cases and writing appellate briefs for Hiscock Legal Aid—all as a volunteer. His level of Appeals Court experience, Horn said, is rare and therefore a fantastic resource. Hancock has also served as Chair of the organization’s Resource Development Committee.
Hancock joked about the Court of Appeals rule known amongst judges as “the rule of statutory senility” that requires judges to retire at age 70, but allows lawyers to continue practicing. Nearly two decades since his retirement, Hancock remains busy and is in the process of taking a case to the Court of Appeals.
“Hiscock Legal Aid Society is a great organization and extremely well run,” Hancock said. “I’m happy to use my talents for a good purpose.”
Judge Hancock’s father, Stewart Hancock Sr., was a founding member of the Society.
VOICES offers an opportunity for guests to support two organizations that encourage and promote expression. Admission is $125 per person. Reservations are required. For more information please call (315) 474-6064 or visit www.everson.org.