LASP honors Michelle Dempsky with 2020 Rising Star Award

Michelle R. Dempsky, LASP Staff Attorney

(Nov. 12, 2020) NORRISTOWN - LASP honored Michelle R. Dempsky with the 2020 Rising Star Award, at the virtual staff retreat on Nov. 12. Kesha James, Deputy Director for Advocacy and Pro Bono Director, presented the award via Zoom. Michelle joined LASP in May 2019 as Staff Attorney in landlord-tenant law. "I’ve always believed that access to justice shouldn’t be dependent on a person’s income," Michelle said. "Every win and benefit I can achieve for a client with Legal Aid promotes this ideal."

Part of LASP's Regional Housing Unit, Michelle noted that "most clients understand very little about landlord-tenant law in this state. They don’t know their rights, or what obligations the landlord must adhere to in maintaining the property. Being able to secure serious repairs, preventing illegal lockouts, and interpreting notice requirements for eviction are of crucial importance, and something I strive to educate clients on. Furthermore, many do not fully understand the landlord’s obligation when it comes to subsidized housing, and how to obtain relief or transfer vouchers, and navigating this process is important for finding livable housing.”

The award is presented to a staff member with less than five years of tenure who:

• Has engaged in energetic, effective advocacy for clients;

• Has accepted challenging assignments and has actively gone “above and beyond” that normally required of a LASP staff member;

• Has been a good team player;

• Has demonstrated strong leadership and leadership potential; and

• Has been an enthusiastic ambassador promoting the importance of LASP’s work in the community and with other young professionals.