GREETINGS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Celebrating the new Chief Justice with our friends and partners in elder justice L to R: Diane Menio, Executive Director, CARIE; Anne John, former President, PA Bar Association; Chief Justice Debra McCloskey Todd (center); Karen Buck, Executive Director, SeniorLAW Center; Hon. Lois Murphy, Montgomery County

As our nation celebrates Women’s History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary women in our world of justice. It was a privilege and joy to attend in Pittsburgh the historic installation of Chief Justice Debra McCloskey Todd as the first female Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in its 300-year history. Chief Justice Todd has been an outstanding leader, jurist, and partner in our work in elder justice, having led the Court’s transformative Elder Law Task Force and Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts which I have had the privilege of serving on since they launched in 2013. These initiatives are models for the nation. Over the past 10 years I have had the great pleasure of working side-by-side with the Chief and our statewide group of leaders as we spent thousands of hours creating and now implementing 130 recommendations on improving access to justice for older Pennsylvanians. I know her to be a visionary, a bold and aspirational leader, a brilliant woman who pursues everything with humility, kindness, wit, and wisdom. How fortunate we are in Pennsylvania to have her leading our judicial system. What a brilliant path she will blaze.

We also celebrate the historic election of Rep. Joanna McClinton as the first woman (and second African American) House Speaker. What a time! We applaud her passionate advocacy for justice and passion for the vulnerable and disenfranchised and are proud to work with her and her team.

We celebrate the women who are changing lives every day, on our staff and Board, our pro bono and nonprofit partners, and our clients who are our history, as the original advocates for equality, civil rights, voting rights, equal rights -- we celebrate you all and our work together, every day.

Ever Grateful,

Karen C. Buck

Executive Director

LEADING THE WAY

Celebrating Chief Justice Debra McCloskey Todd

Chief Justice Debra McCloskey Todd was officially installed as the 58^th and first female Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on January 20, 2023 at the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. Her remarks on that day reflect our celebration of women’s history:

“Today my heart is full of joy and gratitude,” said the Chief Justice. “Joy in arriving at this moment and gratitude for all the strong and determined women who paved the way and for those who supported me throughout my journey.”

The daughter of a steelworker and homemaker, Chief Justice Todd was born and raised in Elwood City, Lawrence County. A graduate of Chatham College and the University of Pittsburgh Law School, she served as an in-house litigation attorney for U.S. Steel Corporation and then maintained a trial practice in Pittsburgh with emphasis on complex civil litigation. She served as Judge on the Superior Court from 2000 through 2007 and then was elected to the Supreme Court in Nov. 2007. At the installation ceremony attendees also learned that she is an accomplished vocalist, once auditioned for and was invited to join the circus, is deeply committed to her faith, her family, and her community. The depth of respect and affection conveyed for the Chief Justice by innumerable leaders in law, academia, history and government, and her enduring friends and loved ones was extraordinary and moving.

She said: “I realize I’m the first female chief justice, but I know I won’t be the last.”

Brava!

HIGHLIGHTING OUR ORGANIZATION

Spotlighting Beth Rubin, Esq.

Chair of the SeniorLAW Center Board of Directors

This month we are excited to highlight our Board Chair, Beth Rubin, Esq. Beth serves as Chief Health Care Counsel at PNC Bank where she covers all issues relating to healthcare products and customers at PNC Bank. Beth has been recognized for her phenomenal work and was awarded the Pro Bono service award by the PNC Legal Department. Beth recognizes the critical need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace and participates in all events to support the incredible work of DEI. Beth adores and admires her two adult daughters and enjoys traveling with her husband and dog in their camper van.

Beth is, simply, an extraordinary leader. She dedicates enormous time, energy, and wisdom to SeniorLAW Center’s success in every way.

Beth states “SeniorLAW Center is an awesome organization that has a huge impact on the lives of many seniors.”

Beth has also served countless SeniorLAW Center clients as a pro bono attorney through our partnership with PNC. We applaud and are enormously grateful for her inspiring and skilled leadership, dedication and friendship. She changes lives every day.

Welcome to our new Development and Communications Team

We are excited to introduce our outstanding new Development and Communications team. Director of Development, Justine Dougherty, and Development and Communications Associate, Victoria Long, are developing and implementing fundraising programs to secure philanthropic support and creating communications to inform our stakeholders of the important work we are doing to support older people's access to justice. Victoria's experience as a Legal Advocate for the SeniorLAW Center Victim Services Project informs and inspires her work every day. We know you will do great things to support SeniorLAW Center's mission!

Justine shares, "I've been in awe of the passion and expertise of our Attorneys and Advocates at SeniorLAW Center who work tirelessly to fight for justice on behalf of our older clients. I'm so excited to share the good works of our team with our donors, supporters, and other stakeholders to advance our mission further."

Justine Dougherty

Director of Development

Victoria Long

Development and Communcations Associate

SUPPORT SENIORLAW CENTER

Honoring Dr. King’s legacy by pursuing justice.

SeniorLAW Center is proud to continue to collaborate with superb enduring pro bono partners Blank Rome and Comcast. On January 18, 2023, over 30 attorneys, paralegals, notaries, and witnesses provided free legal services to low-income older Philadelphians, in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. SeniorLAW Center staff and this volunteer corps prepared over 50 essential “life planning” documents for diverse clients to enable them to make health care, financial and end of life decisions through preparation of wills, powers of attorneys and living wills.

One highlight of the day was serving a client who was 105 years old! This senior has lived in Philadelphia for over 80 years and attended the event with her daughter, who shared: “The kindness, respect, and professionalism that [my mother] received from her volunteer attorneys and our organization is something that she will always appreciate. The whole clinic experience of coming downtown, seeing the beautiful office with the view of the skyline was like dinner and a show.”

CAN'T-MISS EVENT

INTRODUCING THE 2023 SENIORLAW CENTER GALA

Presented by PNC Bank and Comcast

COME CELEBRATE WITH US! For the first time in four years, we come together in person to celebrate the work we do together to seek justice. We will celebrate RESILIENCE and those who helped us not only survive but thrive through the pandemic and other crises and contributed mightily to changing the lives of older people in Pennsylvania. This year at the Gala, co-chaired by Will Cruse and Janine Dunlap Kiah, we will honor 6 individuals and groups whose resilience and commitment to our mission supported SeniorLAW Center through the pandemic: our clients, our staff, our partners at Comcast’s Pro Bono Program, our supporters Jonathan Uhl & Geoffrey Price, and our former Board Chairs Bill Donohue and Bill Fedullo (in memoriam). Celebrate the remarkable progress made in the cause of elder justice and hear the inspiring stories of some of the individuals who made it possible. This year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 6-10 pm at the Hilton Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Support, Sponsor and Purchase tickets for our 2023 GALA here.

ANNUAL APPEAL

It’s not too late to give to SeniorLAW Center’s Annual Appeal! Join us in our mission as we seek justice for older people using the power of the law, educating the community, and advocating on local, state, and national levels. Your support of our Appeal helps us serve over 10,000 older Pennsylvanians every year. You can make an impact today on the clients who rely on SeniorLAW Center by clicking HERE to donate.

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