Grey Law Names New Director

Deborah Sutherland has been named the new program director for Grey Law of Ventura County Inc., an 18-year-old nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to senior citizens.

Sutherland, 48, replaces Michael Williams, who founded Grey Law in 1979. Williams plans to pursue “other adventures” but will remain active in the organization as a legal clinic volunteer and member of the board of directors.

Sutherland began her association with Grey Law in 1988 as a law student and has continued as a volunteer while maintaining her private law practice, which also focuses on the legal needs of the elderly, disabled and their families.

“No matter who we are, we’re all deserving of human dignity,” Sutherland said.

Grey Law holds bimonthly legal clinics at senior and community centers across the county for residents age 60 and over. The nonprofit serves about 1,500 clients a year.

The 14 volunteer attorneys and law students will not deal in family or criminal law matters. Much of their time is spent helping seniors sift through often confusing long-term health-care issues revolving around Medi-Cal, Medicare and Social Security benefits, as well as explaining about wills and trusts.

For more information about Grey Law or to make an appointment, call 658-2266.