Elder Protection Clinic

Older adults often face a unique set of legal concerns, ranging from health and long-term care needs to issues of abuse and neglect. Students at Penn State Law have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in issues of law and aging by working in the Elder Protection Clinic. The clinic is staffed and operated by Penn State Law students who are certified to practice in Pennsylvania courts. The Clinic provides "first chair" opportunities to interview and counsel clients, prepare correspondence and legal documents, negotiate resolutions or prepare for appearances in front of courts or administrative agencies.  The Elder Protection Clinic (formerly the “Elder Law and Consumer Protection Clinic”) has an essential focus on helping older adults avoid or recover from abuse, including financial exploitation.

Under the guidance of practicing attorneys with expertise on specific elder law issues, these students are often the primary legal resource for elders throughout the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania region. Recent visiting practitioners have included Nichole Walters, Esq. from Domestic Violence Legal Services in Dauphin County, Douglas Roeder, Esq., who has a background in taxation, bankruptcy and debtor issues, and Mark Allshouse, Esq., who draws upon his expertise in general practice litigation.

Penn State Law supplements the clinical experience with related courses, including a seminar on Law and Aging Policy taught by Professor Katherine Pearson. In the classroom setting, students have the time to assess approaches to common client scenarios and the opportunity to contribute their ideas and research to the needs of older adults.

Contact Information:
The Elder Protection Clinic is not accepting new students after the Fall Semester 2011.
Elder Protection Clinic
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Office Phone:  (717) 240-5152