ATTORNEY PROFILE
GETTING TO KNOW HEATHER D. HARP
MISSION STATEMENT
To be the voice for those who need help by leaning in and listening. To provide guidance for clients to see their paths clearly and feel empowered to retrieve a situation in their lives that feels helpless, confusing or out of control
“As early as I can remember I was interested in the law. When my grandfather returned from serving in the U.S. Navy after WWII, he worked in a factory without regulations or clean air. Every time my grandfather blew his nose, black soot would follow. A few months after he retired, he had a stroke.
Doctors did not know where the cancer started-- it was everywhere. I watched how hard he worked for his country, and his family. He never had a voice to protect him from the disgraceful way he was treated and ultimately used. He died 9 months later. I think of him everyday.
A year later I was in 6th grade. I can recall learning about the Constitution and freedoms, the liberties and rights we have--I knew this was my path. I wanted to be the voice when others needed help, for those that felt too weak, and especially for those that do not even know they have such rights.
After years of working as a Governmental Prosecutor, I now have the amazing opportunity and privilege to work with the public as an attorney; counselor of law, mediator, as well as, a collaborator.
I work with individuals to assist them with finding their right path. The laws apply to everyone, but each person needs someone who will listen to their needs, desires, stresses, and thoughts. To counsel not only on the law, but to apply what is available to them so they can understand and make informed decisions with clarity about what is best for them in their own circumstances.
I am here to listen, to develop, and to guide clients on a path that is clear and informative. I give my clients the ability to get the power back, to gain control of situations that can sometimes feel helpless, confusing, and even suffocating at times.”
- Heather D. Harp, Esq.
AREAS OF PRACTICE & SPECIALTY
Civil Litigation
Appellate Court Matters
Domestic and Family Court: Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Domestic Violence, Orders of Protection, Custodial Disputes, Termination of Parental Rights, Foster Care Cases, Agency Removal of Children from Home, Relative Visitation, Guardianship, Adoptions
LGBTQIA+ Matters: Name Changes, Adoptions, Custody
Substance Abuse Matters
Matrimonial Matters
Mediation
Collaborative Law
Admitted to practice in New York State 2001
EDUCATION
St. Bonaventure University
1992-1996 BA in Political Science, cum laude
Albany Law School of Union University
1997-2000 Juris Doctor, cum laude
MEMBERSHIPS
New York State Bar Association
Ulster County Bar Association
Mid-Hudson Women’s Bar Association
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & VOLUNTEERISM
St. John’s Bosco Children and Family Services
Board Member
Environmental Law Society
President/Secretary
Hospice Foundation, Inc.
Co-Chair Event Fundraising
EXPERIENCE
Family and Supreme Court Attorney
Diana L. Kidd, P.C.
Dutchess and Ulster Counties, NY
Contract and Staff Attorney
Ulster County Department of Social Services, Legal Unit
Attorney for Children & Appellate Panel
Attorney for Children, State of New York, Third Judicial Department
Represented minor children on matters in Family and Supreme Court
Adjunct Professor
SUNY Ulster
Legal Intern
AIDS Law Clinic, Albany Law School
Assisted clients with HIV or AIDS with Family Law issues and concerns
Prepared cases and defended clients with State and Federal Disability actions
Paralegal Assistant
Stephens Innocent Solicitors
London, England