Rachel Chazin Halperin, J.D., L.M.S.W., has been working as an advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations for the last 25 years.  Appointed as CEO in 2021, she oversees every aspect of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.

Rachel joined LSHV in 2014 as Deputy Director and was promoted to Chief Program Officer in 2016.  In her role as CEO, her priorities remain steadfast in the belief that everyone should have the right to legal counsel regardless of their socio-economic status and that LSHV is an organization with an anti-racist and social justice mission.

After graduating from law school, Rachel worked for four years as a staff attorney and then supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia where she represented low income residents in family, housing, and public benefits cases.  In 2004, Rachel became the Legal Director of My Sister’s Place, the largest domestic violence service provider in Westchester County, NY.  From 2008 – 2014, Rachel worked at HELP USA as the Executive Director of Domestic Violence Programs – including HELP Haven emergency shelter and HELP ROADS non-residential domestic violence program.  While at HELP USA, Rachel started several programs including a Transitional Housing Project, Economic Empowerment Program, and Trauma-Informed Childcare Center.

Rachel received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her M.S.W. from New York University School of Social Work.  She received her B.A. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania.  She is a member of the NYS Permanent Commission on Access to Justice as well as the NYS Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Aid.