SeniorLAW Center

Joanna Jarzebowska, Esq.

Director, Intake, Education, and Pro Bono

WHAT DO YOU DO AT SENIORLAW CENTER?

I serve as the Director of Client Intake, overseeing SeniorLAW Center’s intake programs, including SeniorLAW Center’s Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine, life planning clinics and community clinics. I provide legal services through the representation of HelpLine clients. Through the HelpLine, seniors age 60 and older in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are provided with legal advice, brief services, information, and referrals on a wide range of civil legal issues. I conduct outreaches and training and help oversee the work of interns and externs as well as coordinate staff and volunteer attorneys working on the HelpLine. I also play an integral role in the 15+ life planning clinics SeniorLAW Center holds with pro bono partners each year.

WHY DO YOU WORK AT SENIORLAW CENTER?

Aging with grace, dignity and respect is a universal goal that is shared by many, if not all, and I am honored to be part of an organization that brings us one step closer to meeting that goal.

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR WORK AT SENIORLAW CENTER?

I am proud to be part of an organization that serves such a large number of senior clients in Pennsylvania with diverse legal issues. Many of these seniors are low income, live in rural areas, are isolated or face language barriers and would otherwise have difficulty obtaining legal assistance elsewhere. I take pride in contributing to the positive impact that SeniorLAW Center and its statewide SeniorLAW HelpLine has on the senior population statewide.

AFFILIATIONS

I Co-Chair the Delivery of Legal Services Committee Intake Subcommittee and represent SeniorLAW Center at the Emergency Fund Coalition, which coordinates the Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians, which helps low income Philadelphia seniors in crisis situations meet their most basic needs by providing financial assistance.

JOINED STAFF

2012

BEFORE SENIORLAW CENTER

I joined SeniorLAW Center in February 2012 as a Temple University Conwell Community Corps Fellow. My fellowship working in SeniorLAW Center’s Homeowners Assistance Program focused on housing issues affecting seniors.

HAILS FROM

Wroclaw, Poland; Harrisburg, PA; Philadelphia, PA

EDUCATION

I received my Juris Doctorate from Temple University Beasley School of Law in May 2011 and my Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree from Temple University in May 2008.