Theresa E. Hassler, Of Counsel
Theresa E. Hassler is Of Counsel to the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., bringing a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in government, politics, and the non-profit sector. She has dedicated her professional life to advocating for fairness and helping people, particularly those in immigrant communities, navigate complex legal and administrative systems. Her comprehensive background provides her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges clients face.
A Record of Public Service and Community Advocacy
After moving to New York in 2011, Theresa quickly became a respected leader and a tireless advocate within the city’s public sector. In her role as the Director of Research, Policy & Planning for the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), she was instrumental in creating the agency’s first Help Centers. These centers were designed to demystify the legal process by providing free, accessible legal information to unrepresented individuals, many of whom were immigrants facing significant civil or administrative violations. Her work at OATH continues to benefit thousands of New Yorkers each year.
Theresa continued her service as the Director of Communications, Government Relations, and Community Organizing for Hunger Free America. There, she led a dedicated staff in connecting low-income families, including many undocumented immigrants, with essential public benefits and community services. Her leadership was pivotal in bridging the gap between immigrant households and often-intimidating government programs, empowering families to build more stable futures.
Strategic Legal Counsel and Engagement
As Chief Counsel to a New York State Senator, Theresa managed legal strategy and community engagement for the office. She coordinated numerous district-wide events that delivered critical resources—from food and clothing to legal information—directly to newly arrived immigrants from communities in South America and West Africa. This role honed her ability to merge high-level legal strategy with on-the-ground community needs, ensuring that legal solutions are both effective and practical.
Education and Continued Commitment to Service
Theresa’s dedication to public service is the foundation of her legal education. She attended Drake University Law School as a Public Service Scholar, a recognition of her commitment to using the law to advance justice. She has also broadened her legal acumen by earning an In-House Counsel Certification from the National Association of Corporate Counsel.
Beyond her professional roles, Theresa remains deeply involved in her community. She volunteers as an Arbitrator in New York City’s Small Claims division, helping people resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. She is also active in the New York City Bar Association’s pro bono programs, where she provides direct legal assistance to community members navigating housing, employment, and family law challenges.
Theresa E. Hassler’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment. Her hands-on approach and seasoned judgment make her a formidable ally for clients facing complex legal challenges.
