James Pietsch is a professor in the William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Manoa and serves as director of the university’s Elder Law Program, which provides legal services to hundreds of indigent senior citizens every year as a community service at the law school. Pietsch is a strong advocate for issues dealing with aging and the elderly.

Pietsch serves on a number of government and community bodies concerned with issues relating to aging, and is a valuable member on several hospital ethics committees. He is well known for his involvement with the state’s executive office on aging and for his work on legislation related to elder abuse and neglect. With his clear and witty communication style, he is a sought-after speaker to local and national groups.

Pietsch also holds a joint appointment with the John A. Burns School of Medicine, where he teaches courses such as, geriatrics and the law, for medical students, residents and geriatric medicine fellows. JABSOM faculty and students appreciate the depth of his knowledge in bioethics, healthcare and elder law and his ability to communicate clearly.