Serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties since 2001 | | | |
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Veterans Advocacy Project: Impact spotlight
- 20th Trial Run 5K raises a record-setting $23,235
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Pro Bono Month: Photos & more
- Client impact story: Unhoused veteran finds justice
- LASP issues RFP for Strategic Planning Initiative
- Federal funding update
- BCBF Trivia Night
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PECO Customer Relief Fund: How to apply
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Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month: LASP services
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Photo & services
- New Community Engagement Unit Supervising Attorney
- Staff Awards
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Upcoming outreach | Jobs | & more
| | Honoring those who served | |
LASP's Veterans Advocacy Project: Impact spotlight
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Since 2020, LASP's Veterans Advocacy Project has been fighting for veterans and achieving life-changing and lifesaving results.
Here's a snapshot from 2021-October 2025 (click here, or image at right, for 2-page Impact PDF):
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323 positive outcomes for veterans
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$5.8 million in total retroactive benefits
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$1,400 average monthly income increase (with some obtaining $3,800/month)
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$125 million in expected increase in lifetime income / $387,100 on average
LASP helps veterans with VA benefits and discharge upgrades.
The Veteterans Advocacy Project serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties, plus 16 additional counties in Pennsylvania.
LASP Veterans Helpline: 610-283-0884
| | Unhoused, disabled veteran finds justice | | |
After years of being denied support, an unhoused and disabled veteran finally found justice.
With help from a LASP attorney, he overcame repeated rejections from the VA and SSA.
By late 2024, he secured over $82,000 in back pay and a monthly income of $2,400—up from nothing. These hard-won benefits restored dignity, stability, and access to care, transforming his future and ensuring nearly $1.2 million in lifetime income.
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Next budget deadine: Jan. 30 | Funding for Legal Services Corporation will directly impact LASP
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The longest government shutdown in American history ended Nov. 12 after 43 days, with the next budget deadline set for Jan. 30.
The White House, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Committee have all proposed different funding amounts for Legal Services Corporation (LSC), directly affecting LASP funding. Congressional negotiations could result in the loss of over $1 million from LASP’s budget.
The uncertainty with federal funding decisions affects LASP’s ability to plan and continue services without interruption.
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If the LSC budget were to be cut by 46%, the amount proposed by the House Apprpriations Committee, LASP would lose over $1 million in funding. In LSC's fiscal year 2025, LASP received $2,249,087 for the basic LSC field grant. LASP also currently receives additional funding from LSC for a new Pro Bono Innovation Fund (PBIF) project, and recently was awarded a Technology Improvement (TIP) grant.
A signifcant cut in LSC's budget would mean LASP would be able to help fewer low-income people facing life-altering legal problems.
LSC Sept. 11 press releaseLSC Funding calculator
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20 Years Running for Justice:
Trial Run 5K raises a record-setting $23,235 for local legal aid!
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WAYNE - Fifty-eight runners laced up to support access to justice for all at the 20th annual Trial Run 5K Oct. 26, benefiting LASP. The event raised a record-setting $23,235 for local legal aid!
Since 2005, the Trial Run 5K has raised more than $293,000 for LASP!
THANK YOU to the Chester County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, all sponsors, runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters!
A crisp bright morning at Wilson Farm Park, Wayne, formed the backdrop for the festive occasion. Creative costumes on the trail included the Halloween Oreo, Knight of Justice, Wonder Woman, Brawny Man, Mary Katherine Gallagher of Saturday Night Live, Victoria Ratliffe of White Lotus, a Where's Waldo duo, and more.
Huge thanks to the Chester County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee for organizing the event, to our amazing sponsors, and to everyone who ran, walked, cheered and volunteered for this milestone event.
Congrats to the top finishers, Kevin Long and Sara Planthaber, best costume winner Where's Waldo team, and the first-ever Team Competition Trophy winners, Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, for having the greatest number of participants at this year's Trial Run.
Brian Doyle, LASP Staff Attorney and Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator, welcomed runners and walkers and thanked sponsors before the race start.
Here’s to 20 years running for justice — and to many more!
See our Flickr album for 160+ photos! https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCyHi4
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LASP Staff, Volunteers & Board
FRONT ROW (from left): Greg Nardi, Board member & Chester County Bar Association Executive Director; Catherine Voit, Board member; Marion Hoffman Fraley, Communications Director; and Sarah Stevens, Development & Communications Associate. MIDDLE ROW: Lindsay Childs, Board member; Sarah Planthaber, alum; Brian Doyle, Staff Attorney, Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator & Trial Run 5K coordinator; Leo Serini, former Intern; Ean Chasinoff, Intern and Drexel Law student; Susan Pellegrino, Paralegal; and Kelly Young, Staff Attorney. BACK ROW: Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director; Randy Blough, volunteer; John McKenna, Board member; and Ann Tydeman-Solomon, Development Director.
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Ensuring equal justice for all: Join us on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, you can change lives by supporting LASP. Your gift provides critical legal help to those facing life’s toughest challenges:
- Fighting eviction & foreclosure
- Escaping abuse
- Accessing essential benefits & opportunities for employment, school & housing
- ... and other serious issues
Donate now: bit.ly/GiveTueLASP
Spread the word:
- Share or like our posts on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, X/Twitter, and/or BlueSky, all @legalaidsepa).
- Or, check out LASP’s Giving Tuesday Toolkit and create a post of your own!
Together, we can make a lasting impact on our communities and ensure everyone has access to the legal help they deserve. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday one for the books!
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Make a difference locally with your gift to
Legal Aid
Make your one-time or monthly donation here!
Your donation to LASP goes right to work, helping low-income neighbors resolve serious legal problems.
As you consider your year-end giving, please remember that there are many ways to support LASP!
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Make a gift through a donor-advised fund.
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If you are 70 ½ or older, you can also make a qualified charitable distribution directly from an IRA account. (See next article for more information.)
- These giving options may offer income or capital gains tax savings. Please consult a qualified advisor.
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Make a gift to LASP through your IRA: Another smart way to support local legal aid
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You may have a special opportunity to provide critical support for LASP and its mission of providing quality legal advocacy to people facing challenges to their health,
financial stability or personal safety throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make annual distributions from your traditional or ROTH IRA account to LASP. Your donation may count toward your IRA’s annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and could be excluded from your gross income.
Please consult a qualified advisor before making a gift.
| | Strategic Planning Initiative | | LASP issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for Strategic Planning Initiative; Proposals due Dec. 19 | | Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week: LASP opened 702 cases in 2024-25 for people experiencing homelessness, up from 506 in 2023-24 | | |
During Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Nov. 16-22, LASP highlighted ongoing work with community partners to help people experiencing homelessness, including providing direct services and legal information, and attending outreach events.
Among the partners LASP works with: Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, Coatesville VA Medical Center, Family Service Association of Bucks County / Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter, Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, Norristown Hospitality Center, Opportunity House, United Way of Bucks County / HELP Center in Bristol, Veterans Multi-Service Center, and more.
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LASP opened 702 cases for people experiencing homelessness from July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.
Here’s how our clients defined their housing status:
- Homeless ~ 475
- Living on the street ~ 5
- Living in a vehicle ~ 12
- Shelter ~ 103
- Transitional housing ~ 28
- Couch surfing ~ 79
In 2023-24, LASP opened 506 cases for people experiencing homelessness.
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How LASP helps...
Our attorneys and staff provide critical legal support to resolve:
✔️ SSI/SSDI terminations, applications & appeals
✔️ Access to affordable housing
✔️ Public benefits issues
✔️ Bankruptcy & debt relief
✔️ Domestic violence cases
✔️ Veterans benefits
✔️ Criminal records expungement & Clean Slate 3.0
✔️ Birth certificates & IDs
...and more!
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Know Your Rights as a Renter, in English & Spanish
LASP joined the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, Housing Eqality Center of Pennsylvania & Chester County Dept. of Community Development to present Know Your Rights as a Renter sessions virtually, Nov. 19 in English and Nov. 20 in Spanish.
Kelly Young (bottom left), Staff Attorney, presented Nov. 19 and Sandra Ortiz (bottom right), Paralegal & Chester County Office Manager, presented Nov. 20. A Delaware County Know Your Rights as a Renter in PA event is scheduled for Dec. 2 in Upper Darby.
| | Domestic Violence Awareness Month | | |
ASTON - During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, LASP staff provided information about civil legal services for survivors at a legal resource fair, “Know Your Rights, Use Your Voice.”
The Oct. 17 event was hosted by the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc., in partnership with State Rep. Leanne Krueger at Neumann University in Aston.
Staff who shared information about LASP's services for survivors included Christina Cozzetto (at left), Staff Attorney; Kimberly Hollenback, VOCA Supervising Attorney & Media Office Managing Attorney; and Mary Jacob, Staff Attorney.
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Every week, LASP attorneys stand beside survivors in court, providing trauma-informed legal advocacy for Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and related civil legal issues in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties.
If you or someone you know needs legal help:
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Bucks County: 215-340-1818
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Chester County: 610-436-4510
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Delaware County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-879-3100
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Montgomery County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-980-6924
| | Laurel Anderson named Community Engagement Unit Supervising Attorney | | |
NORRISTOWN - Laurel Anderson has been named Supervising Attorney of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA's Community Engagement Unit, effective Oct. 28. She joined LASP in May 2022 as CEU Staff Attorney. She focuses her practice on record-clearing, homeless advocacy, and name changes.
Laurel previously clerked for Circuit Court Judge Robert A. Greenberg in Montgomery County, Maryland and served as an Assistant Public Defender with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
She holds a J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law and graduated with a B.A. in Social Work, Summa Cum Laude, from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.
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During law school, Laurel represented an adult who received a sentence equivalent to life without parole, as well as juveniles in pending delinquency cases through the law school’s Juvenile Life without Parole and Criminal Justice Clinics. Additionally, she taught constitutional law to high school students through the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project. She interned for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, the District of Columbia Office of Police Complaints and the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office.
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School recognized Laurel as their 2024 Pro Bono Supervisor of the Year for her stellar work with Penn Law students in their name change project.
| | PLAN Executive Director shares insights in keynote conversation at LASP Staff Retreat | Staff Recognition | | |
NORRISTOWN - LASP staff gathered Sept. 19 for a staff retreat at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. Meredith Rapkin, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) Executive Director, held a keynote conversation with Shawn Boehringer, LASP Executive Director.
Ron Flagg, President of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), shared a video message to LASP staff. He provided an update from LSC. He also thanked LASP staff for their personal commitment to legal aid work and shared his own experience in the private sector, highlighting the sense of purpose he gained from providing pro bono service to people with low incomes. "... It's about keeping families in their homes, helping survivors of abuse, supporting veterans and giving everyday Americans a fair chance in a complex system," he said.
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Staff panelists (shown at left) shared insights on their work, including (from left) Brian Doyle, Staff Attorney & Chester County Pro Bono Director; Michael Kaliner, Helpline Staff Attorney; Justice Simanek, Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney; and Jill Duffy, Bristol Staff Attorney. Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel, moderated the discussion.
Dr. Tevis Bryant of the Pennsylvania Bar Association provided a historial prespective on DEI.
Staff Recognition
Chris Walter, Administrative Assistant, was honored with the Pat Brooks Award. Venezla Moses, Helpline Paralegal, received the Maryjane Kelley Award. Kelly Young, Staff Attorney, won the Rising Star Award.
Karen Tyler was recognized for 50 years of service to LASP and its predecessor, the Delaware County Legal Assistance Association.
Service pins were awarded for five, 10, 25 and 30 years of service.
5-year pins: Savita Egerev, Staff Attorney; Craig Kline, Staff Attorney; Megan Reinprecht, Veterans Advocacy Staff Attorney; Lisa Whalen, Pottstown Managing Attorney; and Kelly Young, Staff Attorney.
10-year pin: Donna Winterbottom, Administrative Assistant.
25-year pin: Deborah Steeves, Staff Attorney.
30-year pin: Rachel Houseman, Chester County Managing Attorney.
Staff enjoyed an animal education presentation with an Argentine black and white tegu and explored the zoo exhibits during lunch.
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TOP ROW (from left)
PHOTO 1: Meredith Rapkin, PLAN Executive Director; & Shawn Boehringer, LASP Executive Director. PHOTO 2: Karen Tyler (second from right) honored for 50 years of service, with Meredith Rapkin; Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel; and Shawn Boehringer. PHOTO 3: Venezla Moses (center), Maryjane Kelley Award recipient.
MIDDLE ROW
PHOTO 1: Chris Walter (second from left), Pat Brooks Award recipient, with Phillip Hammond, Director of Operations; and Carolyn Johnson. PHOTO 2: Kelly Young (center), Rising Star Award and five-year pin recipient. PHOTO 3: 5-year service pin recipients: Lisa Whalen (second from left), Pottstown Managing Attorney; Megan Reinprecht, Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney; and Craig Kline, Staff Attorney. Missing: Savita Egerev and Kelly Young, both Staff Attorneys.
BOTTOM ROW
PHOTO 1: Donna Winterbottom (center),10-year service pin. PHOTO 2: Victoria LeCates, Staff Attorney; Michelle R. Dempsky, Staff Attorney; Kimberly Hollenback, VOCA Supervising Attorney & Media Office Managing Attorney; and Joshua Ciccarelli, Grants & Compliance Specialist. PHOTO 3: Tango, the Argentine black and white tegu.
| | Pro bono news & opportunities | | October was Pro Bono Month! | | Bucks County Pro Bono Celebration | | |
DOYLESTOWN - The Bucks County Bar Association (BCBA) marked Pro Bono Week with a CLE, awards and celebration Oct. 23 in Doylestown.
David Keller Trevaskis, Director of Pro Bono Services for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, presented the CLE, "Free Legal Answers: Working Together for the Common Good," and shared other ways attorneys can meet their ethical obligation to provide pro bono service.
The Free Legal Answers program allows clients to post legal questions to lawyers. Three hundred attorneys currently participate.
David also highlighted the Wills for Heroes program, which has provided over 27,000 estate packages, valued at $27 million, for veterans and first responders after being founded in response to 9/11. The CLE also highlighted the importance of pro bono work and the need for more volunteers for Bucks Protection from Abuse (PFA) Court on Wednesdays and landlord-tenant court in Morrisville on Thursday afternoons.
Following the CLE, Bucks County volunteers were recognized for their service in the past year during an awards ceremony.
The event brought together attorneys, judges, and other members of the Bucks County legal community to honor the vital role of pro bono service in expanding access to justice.
FLICKR ALBUM (20+ phtotos): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCz9vq
| | David Keller Trevaskis, Director of Pro Bono Services for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, presents the Pro Bono Week CLE, "Free Legal Answers: Working Together for the Common Good," and shared other ways attorneys can meet their ethical obligation to provide pro bono service. | | From left: Katrina (Kaytee) Ihrer, Doylestown Managing Attorney; Michael R. Shelton, LASP Board member; Erika Becker, Pro Bono Director; Carol Wilbur, Doylestown Office Manager; Megan Reinprecht, Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney & Bucks County Pro Bono Coordinator; and Elizabeth Wood Fritsch, former LASP Executive Director. | | Chester County Pro Bono Reception | | |
The Chester County Bar Association honored members' pro bono service at a reception on Oct. 30 to show appreciation for attorneys who dedicate their time and talent to ensure access to justice for all.
Hosted by Judge Bret Binder, the event included awards and recognition.
| | Attorneys who provided 100+ hours of service included Amanda Grant, Chuck Proctor and Lawrence "Skip" Persick. Also pictured are Catherine Voit (at left) and Christin Kubacke (center), both LASP Board and CCBA Pro Bono Committee members. | | Shannon McDonald receives the Pro Bono Award. | | Attorneys who volunteered 50+ hours included Karyn Seace (hidden,back left), Rochelle Rabin, John Rafferty, Don Lynn, Matthew Konchel, and Mark Blank. | | Delaware County Senior Clinic | | |
LANSDOWNE - At a Senior Estate Planning Clinic Oct. 16, six clients met with a pro bono attorney and received a will, living will, and a power of attorney, and eight additional people received information or referrals to start the process with LASP or elsewhere, for a total of 14 people helped at the clinic.
Sen. Tim Kearney and Rep. Gina H. Curry hosted the event in partnership with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) at the 20th Century Club in Lansdowne. Sen. Kearney wrote in an Oct. 17 Facebook post, "From simple wills to healthcare directives, our partners made sure every attendee left feeling informed and empowered about their future."
The clinic was held during Pro Bono Month. Volunteers included one paralegal student, seven law students, seven attorneys, and one notary.
Notary volunteer: Christine Flynn.
Pro bono attorneys: Dana Breslin, Michael Frisbee, Daniel Hicks, Rich Packel, David Keller Trevaskis, Emily Vener, and Delores Verdeur.
Law student volunteers: Makayla Roccia, Widener University Delaware Law School; Ruoyun Dai, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School; Anni Greene, Penn Law; Arielle Jackson, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law; John Kim, Penn Law; Sakolpat (Billy) Rujiravanich, Penn Law; Alexandra Tolhurst, Widener.
Paralegal student volunteer: Mark Rowan, Villanova University.
| | Rep. Gina Curry (at left) with members of LASP's team, Rita Dawson (second from left), LASP Paralegal; Chris Walter, Administrative Assistant; and Cassidy Heiserman, Staff Attorney and Delaware County Pro Bono Coordinator. | | Dana Breslin, attorney volunteer; David Keller Trevaskis (center), Director of Pro Bono Services for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Vincent A. Rongione, Delaware County Register of Wills. | | Montgomery County Senior Clinic | | ABINGTON - At an Advanced Planning Legal Clinic for older adults in Abington, volunteer attorneys helped Montgomery County seniors ages 60+ with completing a simple will, power of attorney and/or medical directive. Held Oct. 9 at the Salem Adult Citizens Senior Center, the clinic was hosted by Sen. Art Haywood. | | Alison Smith, Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Real Property, Probate and Trust Law (RPPT) Section, led a training for pro bono volunteers before the clinic. | | AT TABLE (clockwise from left), students from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Elyzia Wong, Sakolpat (Billy) Rujiravanich, Ruoyun Dai, and Anni Greene; and LASP Staff Attorney Victoria LeCates. BACK ROW (seated): Duane Ramer, Jon Samel, Kate Miller Brown, and LASP Staff Attorney Reid Kemena. | | NOT PICTURED: attorney volunteers Nicole LaBatta and Lilli Friedman; Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law student Sofia Acchione; emeritus attorney volunteer Dolores Figueroa Verdeur; LASP Staff Attorney and Montgomery County Pro Bono Coordinator Melina Dixon; LASP Pro Bono Director Erika Becker; and Jordan DiVito, District Director for the Office of Sen. Haywood. | | |
MBA CLE: Non-Profit Boards in Today’s Changing Times
+ Networking, Cocktails & Keystone Pro Bono Awards
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NORRISTOWN – The Montgomery Bar Association brought together attorneys, nonprofit leaders and their staff, and community members on Oct. 29 for a Pro Bono Month Celebration featuring a CLE, networking, and the presentation of the Keystone Pro Bono Awards.
Liz Vibber of the Catalyst Center For Nonprofit Management presented the CLE, “Nonprofit Boards in Today’s Changing Times.” Attendees explored governance challenges and best practices for serving on nonprofit boards.
Following the program, legal and other professionals connected with nonprofit organizations seeking board members. The event concluded with the Keystone Pro Bono Awards presentation recognizing outstanding volunteer service.
"Pro bono service is really at the heart of what we as lawyers do," said MBA President Seth Wilson in announcing the awards. Laurie Jubelirer of Jubelirer Law and David Keller Trevaskis, Director of Pro Bono Services for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, received Keystone Attorney Awards.
The celebration was sponsored by the Bucks-Mont Collaborative, Montgomery Bar Association, Montgomery Bar Foundation, and Bee Bergvall & Co.
The evening highlighted the role of pro bono service and board service in strengthening communities across Montgomery County and the region.
FLICKR ALBUM (20+ photos): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCz2Eo
| | Bill Baldwin, LASP Board member and Executive Director of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCSP); Pat Teaford, MCAP Program Coordinator; and Denise Vicario, LASP Board member and Executive Director, Montgomery Bar Association. | | Michelle R. Dempsky, LASP Staff Attorney; David Keller Trevaskis, Director of Pro Bono Services for the Pennsylvania Bar Association; Erika Becker, LASP Pro Bono Director; and Judy Hale, PBA Deputy Director of Pro Bono Services. | | Lisa Shearman, 2024 President, Montgomery Bar Association, and Seth D. Wilson, 2025 MBA President. | | BCBF hosts 3rd annual Trivia Night | | |
JAMISON - LASP and Friends, AKA the LASPberry Berets, proudly took home fifth place of 26 at the Bucks County Bar Foundation's third annual Trivia Night on Nov. 13.
Huge thank you to the BCBF and BCBA for hosting this “fun”draiser benefiting Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. The event was at Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church, Jamison.
FRONT ROW (from left): Katrina (Kaytee) Ihrer, LASP Doylestown Managing Attorney; Elizabeth Wood Fritsch, former LASP Executive Director; Carol Wilbur, Doylestown Office Manger; Val Cain, V.P. & Business Development Officer, C&N Bank; and Melanie J. Wender, LASP Board member. BACK ROW: Michael R. Shelton, LASP Board member; Jill Duffy, Bristol Staff Attorney; Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director; and Frank Cervone, former Executive Director of the Support Center for Child Advocates.
| | Thank you to the Bucks County Bar Foundation and the Bucks County Bar Association staff for organizing this event! LASP greatly appreciates your support! | | Attorneys are needed to take a divorce case! (multiple counties) | | |
Pro bono volunteers are needed to represent clients in simple, no fault, no asset divorces in Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
The divorces LASP handles are either by consent or one-year separation. These divorces do not involve equitable distribution, custody, support, or fault grounds. Typically, a #probono volunteer will not need to appear at a court proceeding in these cases.
The work can have a significant impact on helping LASP clients move on with their lives.
Interested in learning more? Please email probono@lasp.org.
| | Bucks County volunteer opportunities | | No Court Pro Bono Opportunities in Bucks County! | | |
Help Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) clients in Bucks County with:
- Mutual consent divorces
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Senior wills (powers of attorney (POA) & health care directives sometimes requested)
- Debt counseling & bankruptcy
Contact: Megan Reinprecht, LASP Staff Attorney & Bucks County Pro Bono Coordinator at mreinprecht@lasp.org.
Get CLE credit for pro bono hours (1 credit per 5 hours of volunteer service, up to 3 credits per compliance period.) Recorded trainings available.
| | Represent plaintiffs at PFA hearings | | |
DOYLESTOWN - Attorneys are needed every week to provide pro bono representation for plaintiffs at Protection from Abuse (PFA) hearings, held weekly in Doylestown.
Volunteers for plaintiffs are especially needed:
LIMITED SCOPE pro bono opportunity, with no expectation of continued representation beyond the day of volunteer service. New volunteers can observe PFA Day and learn from staff and current volunteers before committing to provide representation. Volunteers do NOT need to be a family law attorney to participate. Hearings are at Bucks County Justice Center, Doylestown.
Get CLE credit: 1 CLE credit for every 5 hours of volunteer service, up to 3 credits per year.
Unique Bucks County program! Read about it in BCBA’s Spring Writs, p16-17!
| | Eviction prevention program in Lower Makefield Township courtroom | | Chester County volunteer opportunities | | |
To learn about multiple volunteer opportunities in Chester County, contact Brian Doyle, Staff Attorney and Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator, at bdoyle@lasp.org.
Depending on your area(s) of interest, you can volunteer through LASP as well as through the Chester County Bar Association's Access to Justice (A2J) program. For example, custody is an ongoing A2J need in Chester County which is coordinated through the Chester County Bar Association.
| | Delaware County volunteer opportunities | | |
Ongoing pro bono opportunities in Delaware County include:
- No fault, no asset divorces
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Simple wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives for older adults ages 60+
- Debt counseling & bankruptcy
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Custody (limited scope available)
- Expungements
- Other civil legal issues
To learn more or sign up, please contact Cassidy Heiserman, Staff Attorney & Delaware County Pro Bono Coordinator, at cheiserman@lasp.org.
More details: lasp.org/pro-bono.
| | Montgomery County volunteer opportunities | | |
Here are some of the opportunities available to provide pro bono service in Montgomery County:
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Divorces – Help clients with simple, no-fault, no-asset cases.
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Eviction hearings – Represent tenants through the Eviction Prevention & Intervention Coalition (EPIC).
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Custody – Assist clients in custody cases at Custody Conciliation Conferences.
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Lansdale Outreach – Help staff LASP’s table at Manna on Main Street (every 4th Thursday of the month).
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Debt counseling and bankruptcy -- provide advice or full representation to clients struggling with financial issues.
CLE credit is available for pro bono service to LASP!
Learn more: lasp.org/pro-bono or email probono@lasp.org.
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Stay tuned:
pro bono
CLEs!
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Law Students Conduct Jury Trial, Negotiate Settlement On Behalf of Veterans Legal Clinic Clients
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by Amy Spooner | University of Michigan Law School News | Nov. 11, 2025 | https://bit.ly/UMichLaw-11-11-2025
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Andrew Schreder, LASP Staff Attorney, discusses his role in a jury trial in spring 2025, before graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was part of the Veteran Legal Clinic. Schreder joined LASP in September 2025. In the article, he noted that “the trial experience gave him the confidence to jump in and advocate for his clients in his new job from day one...”
A Beacon of Hope for the homeless in Pottstown: The Pottstown Beacon of Hope is building a permanent homeless shelter, which will bring the much-needed support that the College Drive homeless population has been lacking.
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by Nadia Choe | Souderton High School Arrowhead | Oct. 31, 2025 | https://bit.ly/Arrowhead-10-31-2025
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Charles Burrows, LASP Staff Attorney, discusses the impact of Hurricane Ida in 2021 related to homelessness.
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Laurel Anderson, LASP Community Engagement Unit Supervising Attorney, discusses the impact of criminal records on homelessness.
| | LASP in local Bar Association magazines | | |
Bucks County Bar Association | The Writs | Fall 2025 | Oct. 16, 2025
Chester County Bar Association | New Matter | 4th Quarter | Nov. 17, 2025
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https://bit.ly/NewMatter-4Q-2025
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“Sharing Talent & Treasure: Ensuring Access to Justice” by Catherine Voit and Christin Kubacke, LASP Board members & Chester County Pro Bono Committee members (pages 6-7)
| | PECO Customer Relief Fund | | Limited- to moderate-income PECO customers: Apply ASAP or by Dec. 31, 2025 | | |
The PECO Customer Relief Fund (CRF) provides a one-time grant of $750 to customers who qualify.
- Deadline to apply: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, but apply ASAP. First-come, first-served.
- May close early if money runs out.
- One-time grant of $750.
- Grants will appear in qualifying customers’ bills as credits.
- Note: When the program opened in August 2025, it provided $500 grants. Previous grant recipients will receive an additional $250, bringing all CRF customer grants to $750.
HOW TO APPLY
ELIGIBILITY
- Current PECO residential electric and/or natural gas customer.
- Owe up to $2,500 (or, with customer co-payment, can bring the balance down to $2,500).
- No theft-of-service charges on PECO account in past 12 months.
- Household annual income between 151% & 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Monthly income between 151% & 300% FPL:
- Family of 1: $1,969 (151%) – $3,912 (300%)
- Family of 2: $2,661 – $5,287
- Family of 3: $3,353 – $6,662
- Family of 4: $4,045 – $8,037
WHAT IF I MAKE TOO MUCH TO QUALIFY FOR PECO’S CUSTOMER RELIEF FUND?
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If your annual household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, visit peco.com/help for information on other programs.
| | Unemployment Compensation | | LASP resource page for unemployment compensation | | |
Tower Health recently announced that Pottstown Hospital will lose 350 jobs.
Earlier this year in response to the Crozer Health closures, LASP presented two webinars on unemployment compensation (UC) in collaboration with Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) and the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN). Attorneys explained how and why to apply for UC, how to appeal if your UC claim is denied, how to meet the work requirements, and more.
Links to both webinars, plus additional resources, are on our website news page. Click here, or image at right, for 2-page PDF with links.
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- Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
- One Center (Upper Darby Municipal Building), 100 Garrett Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082
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Register through EventBrite: https://bit.ly/renter-12-2-2025
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Chester County United Way, 150 John Robert Thomas Drive, Exton, PA 19341
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To schedule a 30-minute appointment with a LASP attorney, contact 610-429-9400, ext. 4115, or ablevins@uwchestercounty.org.
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Partnership between LASP, Chester County United Way's Financial Stability Center, and PA CareerLink of Chester County
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Thursday, Dec. 11 from 9-10:30 a.m.
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Norristown Hospitality Center, 503 Chain St., Norristown, PA 19401
- Just stop by. No appointment is necessary.
- Thursday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Manna on Main Street / North Penn Commons, 606 E. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446
- No appointment needed. Just stop by LASP's table.
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Philadelphia Veterans Parade
PHILADELPHIA - Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) staff joined community partner Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) at the Philadelphia Veterans Parade Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The 11th annual Veterans Parade started at 20th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway and ended past the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval.
Pictured (from left): Chris Spitaletto, U.S. Navy Veteran; Megan Reinprecht, LASP Veterans Advocacy Project (VAP) Staff Attorney; Justice Simanek, VAP Staff Attorney; Caillean Daily, Esq., LASP Equal Justice Works Fellow (sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation); Richard A.J. Prebil, VAP Supervising Attorney; Michelle R. Terry, Chester City Managing Attorney; and Nicole McCoy, VMC Chief Legal Services Officer and LASP alumna.
| | LASP Equal Justice Works project focuses on outreach at veteran-serving medical facilities | | |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Caillean Daily, Esq., LASP Equal Justice Works Fellow (sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation), attended the Equal Justice Works Leadership Development Training in Washington, D.C. Nov. 4-6.
Since September 2024, Caillean's two-year project, based in LASP's Veterans Advocacy Project, has focused on providing legal representation to veterans experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and income insecurity through targeted outreach at veteran-serving medical facilities in LASP's service area.
In particular, she has expanded LASP's partnership with the Coatesville VA Medical Center to increase access to a wide range of civil legal services for unhoused veterans living and going through treatment on campus, with a specific focus on VA and Social Security benefits.
Caillean's project serves veterans by providing access to competent, accessible, and trauma-informed legal services. By meeting veterans where they are and working in conjunction with healthcare providers, Caillean's project has been able to empower veterans with the assistance they need to address legal and medical needs adversely affecting their well-being.
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Homeless Veteran Standdown
COATESVILLE - LASP staff attended the Homeless Veteran Standdown on Saturday, Nov. 1. The event brings together service providers throughout Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Veterans are getting information from multiple organizations, as well clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Details: lasp.org/events.
Pictured are LASP Equal Justice Works Fellow Caillean Daily (sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation) and Veterans Advocacy Paralegal Daniel Tryens. Not pictured: Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney Richard A.J. Prebil.
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Penn Medicine Joining Forces Reception
PHILADELPHIA - Richard A.J. Prebil (at right), LASP Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney, and Nicole McCoy, Chief Legal Services Officer for the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), attended the Penn Medicine Joining Forces Reception Nov. 11 to honor veterans and military personnel. They are pictured with Ralph Galati, U.S. Air Force veteran and former POW, who spoke about his 14-month experience in North Vietnam after his aircraft was shot down in 1972. His story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of shared experiences. Galati reflected on his transformative journey.
| | LASP career opportunities | | |
BRISTOL (Bucks County): Staff Attorney
CHESTER City (Delaware County): Staff Attorney
NORRISTOWN (Montgomery County): Community Engagement Unit Staff Attorney, Helpline Paralegal/Administrative Support Staff (multiple positions), Executive Administrative Assistant
WEST CHESTER (Chester County): Staff Attorney
Job descriptions, salary & benefits, & how to apply: lasp.org/careers
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