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Yatvin essay published in The Champion magazine

By: alan-yatvin

The May issue of The Champion, magazine of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) contains an essay by Popper & Yatvin partner, Alan L. Yatvin.

Informal Opinion: Representing ‘Those People’ Achieves Justice

By Alan L. Yatvin

“How can you represent those people?” In three decades as a criminal defense attorney, I had heard that question many times — at cocktail parties and from prosecutors, police, victims, law students, and once even from a judge. It comes with the territory. I understand that people accused of crimes are often automatically condemned, while their lawyers are regarded with contempt. However, as I walked along that steamy January afternoon, I was shocked by the source of the question. This time it was my wife, Laura, prompted by a just completed hour-long audio tour of a former fruit orchard on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Continue reading “Yatvin essay published in The Champion magazine”

Into the Lion’s Den

By: alan-yatvin

On May 12, 2017, Alan L. Yatvin presented at a continuing education program sponsored by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). Alan attended the program in Harrisburg as a representative of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA), to speak to the audience of county solicitors on Selected Civil Rights Issues: The ACLU Perspective. Continue reading “Into the Lion’s Den”

Protecting special needs students when charter schools close

By: alan-yatvin

One of the unintended consequences of the proliferation of charter schools is that, unlike public school districts, they can easily go bankrupt or lose their charter and close. While such closures are painful for all the enrolled students and their families, already vulnerable students with educational disabilities are especially exposed. Not only must they often find an alternative placement on short notice, but there will frequently be a lag in provision of services at their new school. Because these closures are rarely telegraphed in advance, timing often renders the option of other charter schools or special admission public schools unavailable.

Another consequence of such closings is the complicating of avenues for challenging decisions of those school that continue to dog special needs students.  If a charter school makes an agreement with a parent, then disappears, what is the parent to do? If a charter school fails to identify or inadequately identifies a child’s disability, or owes a child compensatory education for services not provided, how does a parent pursue the traditional administrative processes for relief? And how do parents without resources get a lawyer to help them?

On December 5, 2016, those questions were answered in a case brought by Alan L. Yatvin: R.V. Individually and on Behalf of S.V-W., a Minor, v. Pedro A. Rivera, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Education, E.D.Pa. Civil Action No. 16-2277. Continue reading “Protecting special needs students when charter schools close”

Insulin isn’t just a drug

By: alan-yatvin

Insulin isn’t just a drug.
Stand up for Affordable Insulin

Insulin isn’t just a drug. It’s the difference between life and death for millions of people with diabetes—and it’s something they will need every day for the rest of their lives.

When you or someone you love needs insulin and cannot afford it, the choices are scary. As the cost of insulin continues to rise, more of us, our family members, our friends and our neighbors are rationing their insulin or doing without other necessities to pay for this lifesaving drug.

This is unacceptable. It’s time to stand together and call for change.

The American Diabetes Association’s Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution calling for immediate action by Congress and by all of the parties involved in the insulin supply chain to ensure affordable insulin for everyone who needs this lifesaving medication.

But to make sure that call is heard by those with the power to make a difference, we need you.

Add your name to the petition and join the Association to support those struggling with access to insulin.

Once you’ve signed on, help us spread the word. Real change can only happen when we raise our voices together. Here’s how you can help:

1.  Share the petition with your social media community. Tell them why it matters and invite them to join you in this fight.

2. Email your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and classmates to tell them how important it is to keep insulin affordable, and ask them to add their voices to this call to action at stopdiabetes.com/insulin

3. Know other organizations that have a stake in making insulin affordable? Ask them to join us, and make this call for change even stronger.

Let’s send a message that the rising cost of insulin, and the lives of those who depend on it, cannot be ignored.

Alan L. Yatvin Member, Board of Directors American Diabetes Association
SIGN THE PETITION
Continue reading “Insulin isn’t just a drug”