We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harvey Strauss, who dedicated his career to LASP & its predecessor program in Montgomery County.

(updated July 25, 2023 | original post: July 12, 2023)

Harvey F, Strauss, longtime former co-Executive Director of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) and its predecessor, Montgomery County Legal Aid Service (MCLAS), died July 10, 2023. He served as LASP Co-Executive Director from 2001-2013 and MCLAS Executive Director from 1978-2001.

“Harvey was instrumental in the difficult merger of four county programs in 2001,” said LASP’s current Executive Director C. Shawn Boehringer. “Harvey was well-known in the local legal community and a staunch supporter of the program. He will be greatly missed.”

Harvey dedicated his legal career to serving the poor and vulnerable. After graduating from New York University and Boston University School of Law, he had brief stints at the Legal Aid Society of Oneida County in New York and the Legal Aid Society of Philadelphia. He joined Montgomery County Legal Aid Service (MCLAS) in 1976 as staff attorney and became director in 1978.

The fledgling legal aid program had recently been formed by members of the Montgomery Bar Association and had three employees: Director, staff attorney and secretary. Harvey served as staff attorney for two years. When new federal funding from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) was obtained, Harvey was promoted to lead the organization.

The late ‘70s and very early ‘80s saw rapid expansion of staff and client services. Then, just as suddenly, federal funding for legal services was drastically cut. Within a short time, an office was closed, several staff were laid off and services were consolidated into two remaining offices in Norristown and Pottstown. Harvey worked diligently to diversify funding, build a cadre of skilled experienced advocates, develop a pro bono program and open outreach sites. In the process, he established the program's reputation for excellence and integrity.

Harvey faced another enormous challenge when LSC threatened to fund services through an out-of-county program, unless MCLAS agreed to merge with other county legal aid programs in the region. After much consideration, Harvey and the MCLAS board recognized that the best interests of clients in Montgomery County were served through consolidation.

Harvey was chosen as one of the two directors with Elizabeth Wood Fritsch to lead the newly formed LASP, a position he held until his 2013 retirement.

He received a 2014 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Award and the Hon. Milton O. Moss Public Service Award from the Montgomery Bar Foundation in 2006.

Cathy Herman, LASP Fiscal Director from 2001-2015, shared reflections. “Harvey was the heart of LASP. He was understanding, compassionate, fair and frank. … He was not just the best boss, he was the best person I had the privilege to work with. He was a good thoughtful friend who made the effort to stay in touch even after we both retired. Harvey may be gone but he will never be forgotten.”

Obituary & video tributes

Harvey’s obituary: https://legcy.co/3DbkEq4 (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 12, 2023)
LASP Fête for Justice - Executive Director Reflections with Harvey Strauss, Elizabeth Wood Fritsch & Shawn Boehringer: LASP YouTube link (13 minutes) | May 3, 2022
PLAN Excellence Award: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network YouTube link (4 minutes) | 2014
Montgomery Bar Association Retirement Tribute: MBA Vimeo link (6 minutes) | Created October 2013 & updated July 13, 2023