Susan Strong retires after 41 years as legal aid Staff Attorney

NORRISTOWN - After more than 41 years as a legal aid attorney in Montgomery County, Susan Strong retired Oct. 29, 2021 from LASP. Early in her career, she handled family law matters including custody and Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and was legal aid's liaison for domestic violence.

More recently she worked in elder law, housing and public benefits. In an interview in her office Oct. 19, amidst thank you notes pinned to a bulletin board and paintings by her father, she reflected on working with clients. "Section 8 gives such a benefit. ... And we have so many clients where there's no way they can afford rent without a voucher."

Over the years, legal aid attorneys moved from generalists to specialists, although recently there has been increased focus on cross-training, she noted.

An alumna of Dickinson College for her undergraduate studies, Susan earned her J.D. from Temple University. Before starting with legal aid in Willow Grove, she worked at the Philadelphia Bail Fund.

The biggest change in the past few years? Technology, she said, noting, "Tech is more important than it was before." During COVID-19 she missed having hearings in person. "With our clients you really lose a lot, not having them appear in person before the judge or hearing officer," she said.

Her advice to young lawyers? "My advice to someone starting now would be to figure out one or two specialties that you want to do," she said. In retirement, Susan looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren in New Jersey and Maryland.

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