| "Equal Access to Justice" | April 2010 |
Greetings!
I am pleased to introduce CLS' first alumni e-newsletter! Published every quarter, the alumni email newsletter will offer former attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and interns a glimpse into what is going on at CLS and with other alumni today. It will share organizational achievements, feature alumni announcements, and update you on the latest news at CLS and for legal services nationwide. We hope you will find the information useful and inspiring!
Catherine C. Carr, Esq.
Executive Director | |
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A Moment in CLS History
" Let me assure you that despite all that we in CLS may think we have accomplished, we shall never take the smug attitude that we have all the answers or that we are the answer to all the problems...
We do believe that with the start that we have made and the foundation that we have laid, that we have been a most beneficial and positive force and merit continued affirmation and continuing increased support of all parties to its existence as we, in concert with others, work to move our City with its many and complex problems toward solutions."
-Harvey N. Schmidt, Esq., CLS Executive Director, 1970 |
 Spotlight on...
Deirdre M. Smith
Associate Professor of Law and
Director of Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic
When were you at CLS?
I worked at Law Center South from 1988-1990 as a paralegal in the public benefits unit and then for a short time in 1991 on the "Zebley Implementation Project" with Jon Stein and Rich Weishaupt up at Sylvania House.
What was that project about?
The aim of the project was to work with the Social Security Administration to make sure they got the word out to all potential Sullivan v. Zebley class members (families who had applied for SSI children's benefits and been denied).
What have you been up since leaving CLS?
Since leaving CLS, I moved to Maine, where I attended law school at the University of Maine School of Law, clerked for the federal district court, and then practiced civil litigation (with a disability rights sub-specialty) at a firm for about 9 years. In 2004, I joined the faculty of the University of Maine School of Law as Associate Professor and Director of the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, and was recently promoted with tenure. In addition to teaching in the General Practice Clinic, I also teach Evidence and a seminar on Law and Mental Illness.
How has working at CLS impacted your life?
My research interests, which revolve around disability law and mental illness in particular, stem directly from my work and clients at CLS.
Any words for other alumni?
I look forward to hearing what they have been up to!
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 CLS in the Press
Pa. health insurance plan hits thousands on waitlist with a 92% rate increase
CLS named in Top Workplaces 2010 rankings by Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News
In a recent survey conducted by Workplace Dynamics L.L.C. among Philadelphia companies, Community Legal Services came in among the top 100 places to work in Philadelphia. Using the responses of current employees to judge each workplace, the survey reflects an insider's perspective of what makes a great work environment. CLS was ranked 24 out of the top 40 small companies.
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An Award-Winning Staff
 Louise Hayes
Senior Attorney, Public Benefits Unit
At the March 23 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network annual banquet, Louise accepted a PLAN Excellence Award for her "outstanding work on behalf of our client community."
Congratulations to Louise and the following CLS staff members, board and Leadership Council members, who have received PLAN Excellence Awards through the years:
Richard Weishaupt
Nadia Hewka
Evelyn Pankey
Amy Hirsch
George Gould
Marjorie Janoski
Catherine Carr
Sharon Dietrich
David Francis
Michael Donahue
Leandre Jackson
Gerald McHugh
Leslie Ann Miller
Louis Rulli
Mark Schwartz
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Did you know? 
94% of CLS employees use some method other than driving a personal car to get to work, and nearly 50% use carbon-neutral means (bike or walk). |
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Test Your
CLS IQ 
Who was the first Executive Director of Community Legal Services?
The first person to answer correctly will be announced in the next alumni newsletter.
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CLS is always interested in your thoughts!
Please contact our Development Office if you would like to make a suggestion for a future newsletter, learn more about our work, or discuss giving opportunities. |
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