Elder Justice Resource Center of Philadelphia Courts to Work with Temple University Beasley School of Law to Provide Free Legal Assistance to Seniors
The Elder Justice Resource Center of the First Judicial District (Philadelphia Courts) will begin working with Temple University Beasley School of Law on February 1, 2017 to offer free legal assistance to unrepresented seniors, age 60 and above, via the school's Elderly Law In-House Clinical Program.
Located in Room 278, Philadlphia City Hall, the Elder Justice Resource Center will be open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. In-house clinical services will be offered every Wednesday.
“As our elderly population continues to grow, it's more important than ever that we continue our efforts to provide necessary legal resources to help them navigate challenging questions and situations that may arise. As judges we hear horror stories about seniors who've been taken advantage of due to limited access to legal help,” said President Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper, who led the Philadelphia Courts’ efforts to develop the resource center. “The Elderly Law In-House Clinical Program at the FJD’s Elder Justice Resource Center is another step toward ensuring that seniors receive much-needed quality legal assistance.”
The clinic will be staffed by Temple law students, under the supervision of Professor Debra H. Kroll, who will assist seniors with intake services, interviews, and the limited preparation of legal documents by appointment. No in-court representation will be available.
This coordination between the Philadelphia Courts and Temple Beasley School of Law’s Elderly Law In-House Clinical project provides valuable legal services to seniors who cannot afford, or otherwise obtain, access to legal assistance, while simultaneously offering students practical hands-on legal experience.
“We have such great hope and excitement for how our Elderly Law In-House clinical program can positively affect the lives of so many seniors in Philadelphia,” said Kroll, an associate clinical professor at Temple Law School, who specializes in Elder Law. “This is a valuable resource which we believe can help those who otherwise would not have assistance in accessing and dealing with our judicial system.”
The Elder Justice Resource Center (EJRC) first opened in October 2016 and is Pennsylvania’s first senior justice resource center. The EJRC offers free legal information, advice, and limited representation to unrepresented seniors.
The EJRC is overseen by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and court employees provide administrative and coordination services. The EJRC is also supported by numerous key service organizations including the Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), the SeniorLAW Center, Community Legal Services (CLS), Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), and Temple University Beasley School of Law School.
Elder Justice Resource Center visitors can walk-in or, if in need of limited document preparation, schedule an appointment in advance. For more information, visit www.courts.phila.gov/ejc, or call 215-686-7027.