Staff Attorney Ed Danelski reflects on 39+ years in legal aid

‘Legal Aid will always be my second family’

(Sept. 30, 2021)

NORRISTOWN - After 39+ years as a legal aid lawyer in southeastern Pennsylvania, Staff Attorney Ed Danelski retired from LASP on Sept. 10. He handled Protection from Abuse (PFA) cases and children and youth cases in Montgomery County since 1983, first for Montgomery County Legal Aid Service and then for LASP after it formed in 2001. Prior to 1983, he also worked as an attorney at Delaware County Legal Assistance Association, but lacked the seniority to survive the 1980s legal aid job cuts.

Shortly before his retirement, Ed took some time amidst stacks of closed case files to reflect on his career. His last scheduled court date was scheduled for Sept. 2 but was canceled due to the Montgomery Courts closure in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. "I spent more time in that courtroom than anywhere," he said. Initially, he handled PFA cases and years later, occasionally would be approached by a former client who told him, '"You don't remember me, but you saved my life.'"

In juvenile court, his goal was "a fair resolution for the kid." While he didn't agree with every judge's decision, "I never saw them do other than what they thought was right," he said.

"I was lucky to have the support of my wife, Margaret, and son Peter," Ed said. "No one has ever had more patient (with me) and dedicated colleagues than I had. Legal Aid will always be my second family."

Ed is a proud alumnus of Seton Hall Prep in New Jersey and St. Joseph's College — "Class of '73, and NOT 1873," he quipped. He earned his law degree at the University of San Diego and studied for the MSW at San Diego State University.

In May 2019 at the LASP Staff Retreat, he received the Maryjane B. Kelley Award, given to a longtime staff member in recognition of empathetic and effective advocacy, ethics, professionalism, mentorship, and more.

Often seen with a book, Ed shared a few favorites: "This Side of Paradise" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Power and the Glory" by Graham Greene, "Battle Cry of Freedom" by James M. McPherson, and espionage thrillers by John le Carré and Mary Beard.

Ed, congratulations on your retirement from LASP, and thank you for your service to clients!

Note: a version of this story appeared in September e-news.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT FROM LASP!

Thank you for your service to Legal Aid clients in Montgomery County since 1983, and prior to that, in Delaware County.
You have graced our days with humor and cheer and will be greatly missed!