Civil Law

This is two-part course is being offered by the SeniorLaw Center and attorneys can attend one or both parts.

The first hour (1 CLE credit) will train attorneys to provide legal counseling through the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine. A project of the SeniorLAW Center in Philadelphia, the HelpLine is a toll-free telephone service offering free, confidential legal advice, information and referrals to senior citizens statewide.

Course participants will learn how the HelpLine operates and why telephone counseling is such an effective mechanism for addressing the legal needs of senior citizens. Since most callers to the HelpLine are lower-income, a primer on traditional poverty law issues (e.g. public benefits) will be be included.

Note: Attorneys who have never volunteered for the HelpLine must attend the first part of this program.

The second part of the course (2 CLE credits) will train attorneys on how to answer questions from older Pennsylvanians about personal planning matters, including wills, living wills and financial and health care powers of attorney.

For each document, attorneys will learn about the relevant Pennsylvania law, pertinent definitions and common misconceptions seniors may have about this area of law. Particular focus will be given to advising low-income older Pennsylvanians.

Attorneys who attend both parts and who agree to handle at least six HelpLine calls (calls average 30 minutes) will be eligible to receive 3 substantive CLE credits.

To register or for more information please contact Sue Wasserkrug at (215) 701-3216 or swasserkrug@seniorlawcenter.org.