Elizabeth Blass Email & Phone Number

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Greater Philadelphia Area

Represented the City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services (DHS) in litigation in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Family Division. Managed a caseload of 100-150 cases and handled over 1,000 hearings per year, including trials to terminate parental rights, trials to adjudicate children dependent, shelter care hearings, and permanency review hearings. Engaged in all elements of trial preparation, including preparing expert and lay witnesses to testify. Drafted motions, pleadings and briefs, including two appellate briefs before the Pennsylvania Superior Court that resulted in affirmative findings for the client.

Greater Philadelphia Area

As law clerk for the Team Leader of the 2016 Major Jury program, assisted with managing all motions and trials arising from the 5,400 cases filed in the Civil Division in 2016. Made recommendations and drafted memoranda and opinions on preliminary objections, motions for summary judgment, motions in limine, motions to amend, motions to join additional defendants, and discovery motions, among others. Assisted with jury and bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and discovery court proceedings.

Greater Boston Area

Researched and drafted position statements in response to complaints filed with the Massachusetts Committee Against Discrimination by school district employees. Prepared motions in response to state and federal claims, including a 12(b)(6) Motion to Dismiss asserting a § 1983 Qualified Immunity affirmative defense.

Greater Philadelphia Area

Researched and drafted substantive section of appellate brief for a high-profile juvenile homicide case in Pennsylvania state court. Analyzed state retroactivity standards for Montgomery v. Louisiana, the 2015 Supreme Court case deciding the rule that juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole is applied retroactively. Supported staff attorneys in preparing for policy initiatives and impact litigation by cite checking and summarizing legal documents, conducting legal research, and drafting memoranda.

Boston, Ma

Represented juvenile clients in special education, truancy and school placement matters. Provided “best interests” representation as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL).

Newton, Ma

Represented juvenile clients in disputes with schools by advocating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Conducted legal research and made recommendations on public policy and legislative initiatives, including whether, under state law, a child has a legal right to demand a student-to-teacher ratio greater than one-to-one after accepting placement in a substantially separate classroom.

Philadelphia, Pa

Conducted research and drafted bench memoranda evaluating a diverse array of criminal and civil pleadings, including a pro se habeas petition and an employment discrimination claim alleging violations of the anti-retaliation provisions of Title VII and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Greater Philadelphia Area

Greater Philadelphia Area

Highly qualified educator certified in English 7-12, Math 7-12 and Special Education K-12

Special Education Teacher (10th and 12th grade English) at Olney Charter High School

Resource Specialist and General Education Elective Teacher

Investigated and reported on issues affecting the Chicago Public School system, including teacher unionization, federal and state budgets, new programming initiatives and school closings. Produced featured written content for the print magazine and web site.

Doctor Of Law (J.D.)

Masters Of Education (M.Ed.)

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.)

High School