Betsy Sterling, J.D.

Betsy Sterling is the PAIMI Director for the statewide agency Disability Rights New York (DRNY). PAIMI provides protection and advocacy services for individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Betsy specializes in mental health law, including monitoring and investigating abuse and neglect allegations.

Prior to her employment with DRNY, Betsy was a Pro Se Staff Attorney with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, and practiced as a legal services attorney in programs throughout New York State and Alabama, holding positions to include Managing Attorney, Associate Director, and Director of Special Litigation and Projects. She has substantial practice experience representing prisoners in civil rights litigation, with an emphasis on systemic litigation for prisoners diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities.

Betsy was an adjunct professor at Syracuse College of Law from 2013-2017, teaching practice ready skills courses in client interviewing and counseling. Betsy is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and St. Louis University School of Law.