A Cancer Survivor's Career Ambition is Closer to Reality
Ms. K* is
a cancer survivor with a decades-old record, and a life-long ambition to be a hair stylist. She came to LASP for help when the board of cosmetology decided that she couldn't take the licensing exam because her criminal record constituted bad moral character. By that time she'd already spent thousands of dollars on beauty school.
We worked together to appeal the decision, all the while Ms. K was undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and reconstructive surgery, and leaving her abusive husband. Ms. K won her appeal and is scheduled to take the exam this spring. She's an inspiration to all of us at LASP.
* Name and photo have been changed to protect client privacy.
Your donation to LASP brings hope -
and real solutions -- to people who cannot afford an attorney. You are helping people facing life changing legal problems.
Tips for How to Reach theUnemployment Compensation Service Center
LASP has put together an
information sheet to help people trying to reach the
Unemployment Compensation (UC)Service Center about their UC benefits. The Department of Labor and Industry has closed three of its seven call centers and laid-off 521 employees. The call centers are now operating with 50% of their normal staff.
In addition, claimants can submit complaints viauccomplaint.org, a new site created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance. The Complaint System also lists resources and information for claimants about the UC process.
Growth in Income Inequality and Poverty in American Counties
A new
study from the Population Reference Bureau tracks the significant growth in inequality and poverty across America's 3,000-plus counties over the past two-and-a-half decades.
A New Plan to Fund Public Interest Law Efforts
In Massachusetts and Ohio, several banks have launched programs where law firms can choose to donate to IOLTA programs some or all of the "cash back" benefits generated by millions of dollars of credit card transactions. Read more in Above the Law.
LASP Staff Attorneys Jennifer Pierce and Rodlena Sales volunteered to serve as jurors for trials for the Bucks County portion of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's High School Mock Trial competition. Attorneys from the area volunteer as jurors and bailiffs for the trials and provide scoring and input to the high schoolers.
It's never too early to introduce children to the concept of access to justice and the importance of fairness in the justice system.
Christine Zacarelli, LASP's Pro Bono Director, recently spoke to fourth grade classes at Kings Highway Elementary school in Chester County about Legal Aid, the practice of law generally, and property law.
Delaware County
Pictured with Friel (second from right) are Tom Kerstan, LASP Delaware County Pro Bono Coordinator; PBA President Sara A. Austin; David Trevaski, PBA pro bono coordinator: and Elizabeth Fritsch, LASP executive director.
Congratulations to Karen Friel, winner of a 2017 PBA Pro Bono Award! Ms. Friel, a solo practitioner, has been a longtime pro bono volunteer with LASP. We are grateful for her generous donation of time and expertise to represent those in our community who face serious civil legal problems and cannot afford legal services.
Montgomery County
Pictured with Mr. Flitter is Montgomery Bar Association President Carolyn R. Mirable, Esq.
Cary L. Flitter, Esq. received the 2017 President's Award from the
Montgomery Bar Association for his support of Legal Aid and Access to Justice. The award recognizes pro bono efforts and support of the mission of legal aid through the award of residual funds from consumer class actions.
Mr. Flitter has directed over $200,000 in cy pres funds to LASP. We are grateful for his extraordinary generosity.
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA | 610-275-5400| www.lasp.org
