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Pro Bono Month: THANK YOU to our volunteers!
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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Delaware County Bar Association WILS wine tasting fundraiser: Photos
- News: SNAP, LIHWAP, Chester County rental assistance
- LASP Presents...at the 2022 PLAN Conference
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October fundraisers: Encore! Oct. 20 in West Chester | Trial Run 5K Oct. 30 in Wayne | Casino Night Nov. 10 in Doylestown
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Pro Bono Month events | LASP pro bono opportunities
- Scrapbook | Staff promotions
- October-November outreach | Join our team!
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Thank you to our pro bono volunteers! |
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In honor of Pro Bono Month, LASP extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to our #probono volunteers for service on behalf of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA's clients in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Your commitment is vital to ensure that all members of our community have access to quality legal representation regardless of income.
To learn about our current #probono needs, please visit lasp.org/pro-bono. Scroll down for upcoming Pro Bono Month celebrations.
Interested in learning more about LASP's Pro Bono Program, including how you can receive CLE credit for pro bono service to LASP? Please contact:
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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In October, LASP recognizes our VOCA team's dedicated work on behalf of clients who've experienced domestic violence |
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During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, LASP highlights the work of our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) team. LASP attorneys and paralegals provide trauma-informed free legal help for victims of domestic abuse who are seeking Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.
From July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022, LASP obtained 562 PFA orders protecting 1,311 adults and children from domestic abuse.
LASP phone numbers to get help with domestic violence:
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Bucks County: 215-340-1818
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Chester County: 610-436-4510 | Urgent: 484-803-2131
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Delaware County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-879-3100
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Montgomery County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-980-6924
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender.
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- 37.1% of Pennsylvania women and 30.4% of Pennsylvania men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
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The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) states as part of its Lethality Assessment Program, "Domestic violence can sometimes turn lethal. In the last 10 years, more than 1,600 people died as a result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. The majority of those tragic deaths were abused women, but the number also included men, children and law enforcement."
PCADV's statistics webpage notes that in 2021 in Pennsylvania, 112 people died in domestic violence incidents (72 females and 40 males), with 54% killed by a current or former intimate partner and 63% killed with a firearm. According to PCADV's 2021 Fatality Report, in LASP's service area, the toll included two people in Bucks County, seven in Chester County, two in Delaware County and three in Montgomery County. |
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To learn more about how LASP helps victims of domestic violence,
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Delaware County Bar Association |
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Women in the Law Section holds wine tasting fundraiser for LASP |
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MEDIA - Thank you to the Delaware County Bar Association's Women in the Law Section (WILS) for hosting a fabulous fall fundraiser for LASP! This relaxing and fun wine tasting event on Sept. 22 included a sommelier and food pairings. All proceeds benefit LASP.
In the photo at top left, Michelle R. Terry (at right), LASP Chester City Managing Attorney, thanks the Women in the Law Section for the support, together with William L. Baldwin and Lorraine Ramunno of LASP's Board of Directors.
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Join us in October & November |
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Chester County Paralegal Association presents Encore! on Oct. 20 |
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WEST CHESTER - The Chester County Paralegal Association presents…Encore! Legal Community Talent Showcase & Auction Fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 110 W. Market St. West Chester. Encore! will feature a silent & live auction (gift certificates, goods, services, travel, sports), and talent show with members of the Chester County legal community, Wine Grab, 50/50, food from local vendors, wine and beverages!
Tickets
$20 in advance or $25 at the door. Seating is limited! To purchase advance tickets, please visit chescoparalegal.org/events. Ticket price includes food, wine, bidding number, and a seat at the talent showcase! Click here for flyer.
Benefiting
Chester County Paralegal Association and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Thank you to the Chester County Paralegal Association for organizing this event!
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Trial Run 5K Run/Walk returns Oct. 30 with costume contest |
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WAYNE - The Trial Run 5K is back for its 17th year! Start your Sunday morning with a run or walk at Wilson Farm Park in support of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA!
Awards will include top men's/women's finishers and best costume. The Chester County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee is organizing this event as part of its Pro Bono Week celebration.
The race will be Sunday, Oct. 30 at Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne, PA 19087. Sign-in starts at 8:15 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m. Parking is available on-site. The starting line is the south pavilion, nearest to Route 202.
Entry fee: $20 until race day. On race day: $25. Includes t-shirt, while supplies last! LASP's event webpage is lasp.org/trial-run.
To sponsor or for more information, contact Brian Doyle, LASP Staff Attorney and Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator, at 484-416-4259 x5210 or bdoyle@lasp.org. Share the PDF flyer.
Thank you to the CCBA Pro Bono Committee for organizing this event!
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Bucks County presents Casino Night on Nov. 10 |
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DOYLESTOWN - Casino Night, hosted by the Bucks County Bar Foundation, is being held in support of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA & Bucks County Veterans Court Programs. Join us Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6-10 p.m. at the Bucks County Bar Association, 135 E. State St., Doylestown.
Thank you to the Bucks County Bar Foundation for organizing this event!
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LASP presents several sessions at PLAN Conference, including Hurricane Ida CLE with LSC; trauma-informed advocacy; and SSI for children |
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HARRISBURG - More than 20 LASP staff members attended the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Conference in Harrisburg from Sept. 14-16, and more attended virtual sessions. The annual conference, held in person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, provides training on multiple legal topics. On Sept. 15, four members of LASP's legal team presented Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions on several topics. LASP thanks John C. Eidleman of the Legal Services Corporation for joining LASP staff for the disaster legal aid CLE.
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Sara Planthaber, LASP Staff Attorney, and John C. Eidleman, Legal Services Corporation Senior Program Counsel, discuss "Before Disaster Strikes: Lessons Learned 1 Year After Hurricane Ida." They presented with Rachel Houseman, LASP Chester County Managing Attorney, discussing disaster legal aid from multiple perspectives, including the individual, regional and macro levels.
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Richard A.J. Prebil, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney, presents the CLE, "Introduction to Trauma Informed Advocacy."
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Deborah Steeves, LASP Staff Attorney, discusses SSI Eligibility for Children. She co-presented with Jennifer Modell, Neighborhood Legal Services' Managing Attorney for Project Management.
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Several PLAN Executive Directors gathered between sessions. From left: Brian Gorman, Southwestern Legal Aid; Shawn Boehringer, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA; Debby Freedman, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia; and Marielle Macher, Community Justice Project. |
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For more photos from the PLAN Conference, please scroll down, to the LASP Scrapbook. |
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Pro Bono Month Celebrations |
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Chester County Bar Association Pro Bono Volunteer Reception Oct. 18
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Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022 from 5-7 p.m.
- Location will be provide after registration.
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Register: https://bit.ly/3MrLNcd
Chester County pro bono volunteers are invited to a Pro Bono Volunteer Reception hosted by Hon. Brett Binder, Hon. Analisa Sondergaard, and the Chester County Bar Association.
Please see the CCBA website for more details and to register.
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Bucks County Bar Association Pro Bono CLE & Awards Ceremony Oct. 27
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Thursday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.
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at the Bucks County Bar Association, 135 E. State St., Doylestown
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Register through BCBA at bucksbar.org/calendar.
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Note: Due to a presenter's scheduling conflict, the Delaware County Bar Association's Pro Bono CLE will be in February. Please stay tuned to delcobar.org for details!
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LASP pro bono opportunities |
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Wednesdays (in-person): Pro bono attorneys needed for PFA hearings
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DOYLESTOWN - Pro bono attorneys are urgently needed for Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings In October, especially Wednesday, Oct. 19. Sign up for this unique Bucks County access to justice initiative for any Wednesday. The hearings are held at the Bucks County Justice Center, 100 N. Main St., Doylestown, PA 18901.
To volunteer to represent plaintiffs, please contact Durene McCarty, LASP Administrative Support and Assistant Pro Bono Coordinator, at dmccarty@lasp.org or 215-398-6757. |
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Pro bono attorneys needed for custody cases in Delaware County |
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Pro bono volunteers are needed to represent clients in custody cases in Delaware County. Volunteer attorneys have the opportunity to represent clients in a limited scope, pursuant to the PA Rules of Professional Conduct and Delaware County’s limited entry of appearance rule for pro bono attorneys. Delaware County's Rule 1012 permits attorneys to withdraw by praecipe after representation at the number of custody conferences agreed to in advance.
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LASP Pro Bono needs for Montgomery County |
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Divorce cases
Pro bono volunteers are needed to represent clients in simple, no fault, no asset divorces in Montgomery County. The divorces we handle are either by consent or one-year separation. These divorces do not involve equitable distribution, custody, support, or fault grounds. Typically, a pro bono volunteer will not need to appear at a court proceeding in these cases.
Custody cases
Pro bono attorneys are needed to represent clients in custody cases at Custody Conciliation Conferences in Montgomery County. Volunteer attorneys have the opportunity to represent clients in a limited scope at the Conciliation only. All Conciliations are held via Zoom. There is no commitment for the volunteer attorney beyond the Conciliation.
Willow Grove outreach
Pro bono attorneys are needed for Montgomery County Outreach at the Eastern Montgomery County Courthouse Annex in Willow Grove on the second & fourth Thursday of the month from 2-3:30 p.m.
Lansdale outreach at Manna on Main Street
Pro bono attorneys are needed for Montgomery County Outreach at the North Penn Commons in Lansdale in partnership with Manna on Main Street on Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m.
Learn more, or sign up!
Interested in learning more about any of the opportunities or signing up to volunteer? Please contact Kathryn M. Palladino, LASP Staff Attorney and Montgomery County Pro Bono Coordinator, at 484-209-0892, or kpalladino@lasp.org, or register at lasp.org/volunteer-signup. LASP's pro bono webpage, lasp.org/pro-bono, includes upcoming events and news related to pro bono in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. |
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Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE - Dec. 7 (hybrid) - Legal issues affecting veterans & military personnel
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Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 1-4:15 p.m.
- 3 CLE credits
- Live webcast, or in-person at Bucks, Chester and Delaware County Bar Associations.
- Details, registration & how to become an Accredited VA Representative beforehand: https://bit.ly/3Quv1K0.
Richard A.J. Prebil, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney, is on the planning committee for a three-part series of CLEs from the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI). Part 3 on Dec. 7 will cover legal issues affecting veterans and military personnel.
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More Than 3,500 Pennsylvanians Apply For Marijuana Pardons Under Governor’s Expedited Relief Program
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) |
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On Oct. 1, more Pennsylvanians became eligible for SNAP benefits |
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Are you in need of food assistance? You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, even if you were not eligible before. On Oct. 1, 2022, the income guidelines for all applicants increased to 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. With this change, more than 420,000 additional Pennsylvanians in more than 174,000 households will be eligible for SNAP.
Before Oct. 1, eligibility in PA was 160% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for households that do not have elderly or disabled members. SNAP is a federal program, and SNAP benefits are funded through the federal budget, but Pennsylvania’s Dept. of Human Services sets eligibility for PA and issues the benefits.
If you are denied SNAP benefits, LASP may be able to help. Call our Helpline, 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or apply online 24/7 at lasp.org/apply.
For more information, including income guidelines and maximum benefit, please see our website news article:
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Chester County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) |
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ERAP referrals paused in Chester County from Oct. 10-Nov. 15 |
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“Beginning Monday, October 10th, Chester County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is taking a pause from processing new referrals, to allow the organizations that are administering ERAP to work through, review and support everyone that is currently in the system and that qualifies for emergency rental and utility assistance. The pause in new referrals is expected to continue until November 15th, after which time only those households with an eviction notice or utility shut-off notice will be referred for ERAP assistance.
“During this time of pause from ERAP, anyone who needs assistance can still call 2-1-1 and follow prompts 2, 2, 2. Information and referrals on alternative available programs that may be able to help will be provided at that time.”
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Delaware County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program closed applications Sept. 10. Bucks County's program continues, with changes. Our website article is updated as changes to county programs are announced. |
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Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) |
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Need help with water bills? Deadline to apply: Oct. 28
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The last day for Pennsylvanians to apply for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
LIHWAP provides help for Pennsylvanians who need help with water bills or who may lose water service. The program opened for applications on Jan. 4, 2022 to helps families who have overdue water bills or are at risk of losing water service for their home. The program provides grants that do NOT need to be repaid.
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Are you a homeowner impacted by COVID? LASP may be able to help you with your PAHAF application |
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Need help applying? Legal Aid of Southeastern PA may be able to help residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties with the application process. Call our Helpline, 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The program provides financial assistance to help Pennsylvania homeowners pay mortgage and housing-related expenses to avoid delinquency, default, foreclosure, or displacement.
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In-person: Bucks County Custody Clinic in Doylestown Oct. 13
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Who we can help at the free clinic in Doylestown
- Parents only (no grandparents or extended family members)
- Assistance is for Bucks County cases only.
- Provide a copy of the most recent custody order, if there is one.
- Clinic is available to help prepare the first petition for custody, to change a current order, or to receive general advice in a Bucks County custody case.
- Parents must meet financial eligibility for Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP). Please register first.
Registration
- Fill out the needed information, and a Legal Aid of Southeastern PA advocate will contact you with next steps.
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To register by phone or ask a question about the clinic, please contact Carol Wilbur, Doylestown Office Manager, at 215-340-1818 or cwilbur@lasp.org, or Erika Felpel, Paralegal, at 484-275-0672 or efelpel@lasp.org.
What to expect
- Parents will meet with an attorney for up to one hour.
- The attorney will give brief legal advice regarding custody, help you fill out the paperwork, and give directions on how to file the paperwork at court.
- After the clinic, a LASP advocate can follow up with you.
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In-person: Landlord-Tenant Forum Oct. 13 in Upper Darby
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Thursday, Oct. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m.
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at Watkins Senior Center, 326 Watkins Ave, Upper Darby
UPPER DARBY - LASP Staff Attorney Thomas Kerstan will present on behalf of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA at this Landlord-Tenant Forum.
Sen. Tim Kearney is partnering with Upper Darby Mayor Barbarann Keffer, Judge Christopher R. Mattox, LASP, and Lee Stivale, Esq. to present the forum.
Landlords and tenants are encouraged to attend the forum to learn important information regarding landlord-tenant issues and better understand what rights and responsibilities they have.
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Virtual: Montgomery County Name Change Clinic Oct. 15
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This Virtual Name Change Clinic is a free legal clinic that is open to all ADULT residents of Montgomery County, PA, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming residents.
Volunteer attorneys trained in the name change process will assist you in preparing name change petitions.
How do I register and attend?
- To register, you must complete the required Online Intake Questionnaire.
- If you have questions or need help, please call the Montgomery Bar Association at 610-279-9660 x200 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9 a.m-4 p.m.
- Services will be offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Confirmation email with appointment time.
- Look for your confirmation email. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your junk mail/spam folder.
- This email will include important information about your appointment time and any items that may be required of you on or before Oct. 15.
3. Sign on Oct. 15 at your scheduled time
- Click on the link you received in your confirmation email to attend the clinic during your scheduled timeslot.
- Our friendly volunteer attorneys look forward to offering advice, answering any questions you have, and will do their best to assist you with your Name Change Petition.
The clinic is presented by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Montgomery Bar Association, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Office of the Prothonotary.
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Hybrid: Expungement Workshop Oct. 20 in Exton, or virtual (open to all 4 counties)
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Thursday, Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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One-page flyer: click here, or image at right.
EXTON - Get information on Criminal Records Expungements in person or virtually. An attorney from Legal Aid of Southeastern PA will discuss the legal topic. Then, attendees can meet one-on-one with the attorney to discuss specifics of their situation.
Your choice:
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In-person at PA CareerLink office 479 Thomas Jones Way Suite 500 Exton, PA 19380
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Virtual: Register in advance via PA CareerLink: https://bit.ly/3SxqlEj. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you attend virtually, you will meet in a private Zoom room with the attorney.(Open to all counties!)
This workshop series is presented in partnership with LASP, United Way of Chester County, and PA CareerLink of Chester County.
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In-person: Monthly Legal Clinic in Exton Nov. 9 & Dec. 14
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EXTON - Free legal clinics are held monthly at PA CareerLink of Chester County. The next clinic will be Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at PA CareerLink, 479 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 500, Exton, PA 19380.
The clinics are a partnership between LASP, United Way of Chester County's Financial Stability Center, and PA CareerLink of Chester County.
For one-page flyer, click here, or image at right.
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In-person: Powers of Attorney Workshop in West Chester Nov. 19
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Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m-1 p.m.
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at Crime Victims' Center, 135 W. Market St., West Chester.
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One-page flyer: click here or image at right.
WEST CHESTER - Get help with healthcare and/or financial power of attorney documents at a free legal workshop! The Powers of Attorney Workshop will be presented by The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc. and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. Free parking is available.
CVC and LASP are partnering to offer residents of Chester County a free healthcare power of attorney and/or financial power of attorney to ensure that your chosen loved one has the right to make healthcare and/or financial decisions for you in the event that you are not able to make them for yourself.
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Legislative visit with U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan |
WEST CHESTER - Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (center) met with Rachel Houseman, LASP Chester County Managing Attorney, and Shawn Boehringer, LASP Executive Director, at her office Sept. 26 to discuss LASP's work, the impact of legal aid in her district, and the services LASP can provide to her constituents. |
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Alison Maxwell (at left) and Jahliyah Hall, both Helpline Paralegals, before the start of the Sept. 15 PLAN Conference sessions. |
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From left: Laurel Anderson, Community Engagement Unit Staff Attorney; Elizabeth Tarloski, Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney; Marion Hoffman Fraley, Communications Director; Ruth Jones, Veterans Advocacy Project Paralegal; and Richard A.J. Prebil, Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney. |
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Richard Prebil, Supervising Attorney, Veterans Advocacy Project |
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CHESTER City - Richard A.J. Prebil was named Supervising Attorney of LASP's Veterans Advocacy Project (VAP) on Oct. 1. Formerly part of the Community Engagement Unit, the Veterans Advocacy Unit at LASP will continue to engage veterans in our community, including through a special project with our partner, the Veterans Multi-Service Center, providing services to veterans in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, as well as 16 counties in central and northern PA. Along with VAP Staff Attorney Elizabeth Tarloski and VAP Paralegal Ruth Jones, the unit provides client-centered, trauma-informed legal assistance to veterans experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness, income insecurity, and those living with disabilities. VAP helps veterans apply for and appeal denials of VA benefits and military discharge upgrades, and file initial applications for SSI/SSDI through the SOAR program. The unit, based in the Chester City Office, also runs the Veterans Advocacy Helpline, which provides intake for veterans in our community. Richard joined LASP in 2019 as a staff attorney in the Chester City Office, until the establishment of VAP within CEU in the middle of 2020. During law school, he interned with many veteran service organizations from Minneapolis to Chicago to Philadelphia. Prior to joining LASP, Richard was an Equal Justice Works fellow at a nonprofit in Philadelphia providing legal services to veterans in the tri-state region. In addition to his work at LASP, Richard is currently an Adjunct Professor at Villanova Law School teaching a class in veterans law. Congratulations, Richard! |
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Sandra Ortiz, Paralegal & Office Manager, West Chester Office |
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WEST CHESTER - Sandra Ortiz was promoted to Paralegal in LASP's West Chester Office, effective Oct. 1. Sandra has worked out of LASP's Chester County office since 2016, when she started as a secretary/receptionist. Sandra is also the Office Manager for the West Chester office. Sandra assists attorneys in drafting court filings in Protection From Abuse, custody, divorce, and other types of cases. This year, Sandra was crucial in advancing the Mobile Home Project in Southern Chester County and the Hispanic community. Sandra's warm heart and constant hard work make her a pleasure to work with, and her co-workers are so proud of her accomplishments.
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Current openings
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Fiscal Director and Accounting/HR Administrator ~ both Norristown
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Managing Attorney ~ Doylestown
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VOCA Staff Attorneys ~ Bristol and West Chester
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Paralegal ~ Helpline ~ Norristown
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Executive Administrative Assistant ~ Norristown
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If you received e-news as a forward or found it on social media, please subscribe at lasp.org/enews or email Marion Hoffman Fraley, Communications Director, at mfraley@lasp.org.
E-news is published 11-12 times per year.
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Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
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Copyright ©2022. All Rights Reserved. |
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