Rebecca K. Harp, Recording Secretary, is an Assistant Public Defender with the Albany County Public Defender’s Office, where she represents clients in misdemeanor and felony matters, including violent felony offenses. Her practice includes client counseling, motion practice, hearings, conferences and trials. She regularly advocates on behalf of clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, combining strong courtroom advocacy with a client-centered approach. She also has significant experience representing adolescents and juveniles under New York’s Raise the Age legislation.
Ms. Harp earned her J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University, where she was a member and Symposium Editor of the Albany Law Journal of Science & Technology, and a recipient of the Kathryn D. Katz Fellowship. During law school, she was actively involved in a number of student organizations and leadership roles, including serving as a Class Representative for the Student Bar Association, member of the Women’s Law Caucus, and Philanthropy Chair for Phi Alpha Delta. She holds a B.A. in Public Justice and Political Science, with a minor in Forensic Science, from the State University of New York at Oswego.
Ms. Harp is an active leader within the bar and has held multiple leadership roles with the Capital District Women’s Bar Association (CDWBA), a chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY). She served as President of CDWBA for the 2024–2025 term and currently serves as Immediate Past President. Throughout her involvement with CDWBA, she has contributed to the organization’s programming, including the Women in Law program, along with mentorship and professional development initiatives designed to support and advance women in the legal profession. She has also supported volunteer and community outreach efforts benefiting organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and Toys for Tots, among others, and has been actively involved in broader member engagement and networking initiatives across the Capital Region.
At the state level, Ms. Harp serves WBASNY as Co-Chair of both the Criminal Law Committee and the Convention Committee for the 2025–2026 term, contributing to statewide programming, policy discussions, and initiatives impacting women in the legal profession and the broader legal community.