Steve McGilvary Wins Prestigious NLADA Denison Ray Award for Exceptional Service in Housing Advocacy

Steve McGilvary, a dedicated paralegal at 603 Legal Aid, has been honored with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Denison Ray Award, a prestigious recognition for his outstanding contributions to the civil legal aid community.

This award, known as the "Denny," is named after Dennison Ray, a lifelong advocate for legal aid who served in leadership roles across Missouri, Maine, North Carolina, and New York. The Denny recognizes individuals like Steve who go above and beyond to serve their communities and provide essential legal assistance to those in need.

McGilvary's work at 603 Legal Aid has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, particularly in the area of housing law. His deep knowledge of New Hampshire’s housing regulations and federal policies has allowed him to help vulnerable clients avoid eviction and maintain stable housing—critical in a time of increased housing insecurity. When informed of being chosen for this award, Steve shared his thoughts, “I’m really honored to receive the award. I would like to think I’m receiving the award for everyone I’ve worked with over the last 24 years.”

Ariel Clemmer, Executive Director of 603 Legal Aid, praised Steve’s dedication, saying, “Steve leads by example, setting a standard of excellence that inspires those around him to approach their work with the same level of care and commitment. There is no more industrious, creative, and determined legal aid staff member than Steve, who no matter the time or place, can be found day in and day out on the phone gently and expertly coaxing a client through a potentially devastating housing situation.”

Steve's tireless efforts have left a significant mark on the community. His colleagues and clients alike commend his ability to make complex legal processes accessible and manageable.

Lauren Greenwald, Housing Justice Project Director at New Hampshire Legal Assistance, emphasized the tangible impact Steve's work has had, noting, “I am certain that in terms of housing preserved in New Hampshire, Steve’s work is behind a significant amount of the data. The tenants almost always tell me how much working with Steve has helped both ease their mind and helped them be ready for what is likely one of the most stressful events they have had to deal with in their lives.”

Steve's compassion and expertise are also evident in the testimonials of the people he helps. One such client, Jess, who faced an eviction with her family, recalls the critical support Steve provided during one of the most difficult moments in her life: “Just one hour before our eviction hearing at District Court, I called 603 Legal Aid, overwhelmed and scared. My partner and I, along with our two young kids, were being evicted because our lease had ended, and we hadn’t moved out yet. The landlord was angry and had hired a lawyer to take us to court. We had been homeless before, and we were doing everything we could to avoid going through that again. It was a bad experience, and we didn’t want our kids to suffer. Steve was amazing. He listened to our situation and quickly found strong defenses we could use in court. He explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and gave us the confidence we needed to speak up. Steve really helped us a lot. He's really good. I wish I could just hire him as a lawyer.”

Throughout his 24 years of service, Steve has consistently demonstrated a passionate quest for fairness and equality. His work is driven by a deep belief in the importance of providing equal access to legal representation for all, regardless of income. He understands that for many clients, their legal battles are not just about resolving a dispute—they are about preserving their dignity, stability, and hope for the future.

Winning the Denison Ray Award is a testament to McGilvary's unwavering dedication to serving those most in need. He has become a beacon of hope for individuals and families in New Hampshire facing the prospect of losing their homes, and his work is instrumental in ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation.

Steve McGilvary’s recognition by the NLADA is not only a reflection of his personal achievements but also a celebration of the life-changing work being done at 603 Legal Aid. Congratulations to Steve on this well-deserved honor!