Volunteer Spotlight

A recipient of the Jane F. Hepting Individual Attorney Award, Michael DiSantis, a partner attorney at Tressler LLP, is a long-time, dedicated volunteer with NLS. A dedicated and enthusiastic pro bono attorney, Michael DiSantis has filed expungement and sealing petitions on behalf of NLS clients since 2016. Through this work, he has helped numerous individuals overcome barriers to employment and housing and set them on a path toward greater economic stability. In August 2022, he took on the role of Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership’s Criminal Record Expungement Project with Neighborhood Legal Services. “Michael’s commitment to creating equality in our justice system is inspiring, and we’re honored to recognize him during this month as we celebrate every volunteer who works to make life better for someone else,” said Judy Hale, Esq., NLS Pro Bono Manager.

Help Make Our Justice System More Equal – Volunteer Today!

NLS offers our low-income neighbors in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties, a better chance of keeping their homes, securing their veteran’s benefits, protecting themselves and their children, and more by giving them access to expert legal services. With the help of volunteer attorneys and others, we can open more doors to justice.

Open the Door to Equal Justice, sign up to volunteer today!

For more information about volunteer opportunities with NLS, please visit our website nlsa.us/volunteer.

Upcoming Continuing Legal Education Opportunities

NLS offers FREE CLE Course Credit for attorneys who agree to take pro bono cases through Neighborhood Legal Services in the next year.

April 19 (In Person): CLEAN SLATE 3.0: Overcoming a Criminal Past to Make Way for a Brighter Future

This CLE program will explain eligibility criteria for clearing Pennsylvania criminal records through expungement, limited access (sealing), and pardons. Focusing on expungement and limited access, particularly in light of the amendments to the Clean Slate Act that went into effect on February 12, 2024 (“Clean Slate 3.0”), the presenters will discuss expanded availability of automatic and petition-based record-sealing for offenses not previously eligible, including some felonies. Additionally, the program will address practical and procedural issues relating to expungement and limited access, including how to prepare and file petitions pro bono through Neighborhood Legal Services and the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership.

Lunch will be provided by Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP.

Join us in person on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm for this 2 credit record clearing CLE seminar at the Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP office located at Six PPG Place, Suite 1300. If you are interested in attending, click here to register for the April 19th CLE.

April 26 (In Person):  Help Domestic Violence Victims Obtain Protection Orders

In an average year, over 4,000 protection from abuse petitions are filed in Allegheny County. Volunteer attorneys are critical to ensuring that every victim of domestic violence has someone by their side on the final hearing date. Neighborhood Legal Services will train volunteers at a CLE hosted by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney on Friday, April 26, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Three substantive credits and one ethics credit will be offered. In addition to this comprehensive CLE training, NLS offers support to volunteer PFA attorneys, including: 
    •    On-going support from experienced NLS attorneys
    •    Flexible scheduling—pick a regular date or schedule as available
    •    On-site assistance from NLS on the final hearing date
    •    Shadowing opportunities
    •    Malpractice coverage
    •    All the forms and instructions you'll need
To learn more about handling PFA cases and to volunteer, please contact Mary Ann Troper-Malley at troperma@nlsa.us or 412-586-6134.To register for the Protection from Abuse CLE click here.

Protecting the Promise: Legal Service Corporation Celebrates 50^th Anniversary

For 50 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has been protecting the promise of justice for all by providing millions of Americans throughout the country with access to legal resources that have had a life-changing impact. But there is still more work to be done. LSC will hold its 50th Anniversary Luncheon & Gala in Washington, D.C on April 9.

Neighborhood Legal Services is grateful for support from LSC, which funds a significant portion of our work in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties and also funds NLS 's work related to pro bono innovation and technology improvements. As part of NLS’s recognition of LSC’s long-term, financial support, we will be promoting LSC’s 50 years of service on our social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook so please follow us on social media.

You are also invited here to learn more about LSC’s 50^th Anniversary here.

Open the Doors to Justice for Neighbors In Need of Legal Aid

Thanks to supporters like you, NLS can represent low-income clients including veterans and survivors of domestic violence free of charge through the expert help of staff and volunteer attorneys. Yet, when it comes to civil legal issues, 92% of the legal needs of low-income Americans are not being met.

When you donate to NLS, you support older adults whose savings are threatened by fraud, survivors seeking support to rebuild after natural disasters, women and children seeking protection from abusers, families facing foreclosure or wrongful eviction, and thousands of others.