Pro Bono & Public Interest Committee

Mission

Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year.

— ABA Model Rule 6.1

Welcome to the Pro Bono and Public Interest Litigation Committee Website. The Committee coordinates the pro bono efforts of the Section. Our mission is to:

Promote pro bono and public interest opportunities.
Highlight the outstanding work of individuals and firms that are providing pro bono services.
Foster and participate in special pro bono projects.
Provide a gateway to pro bono and public interest litigation resources.

We invite you to join our committee and contribute by publishing an article in our newsletter, contributing content for the website, signing up for one of our volunteer projects, or assisting in selecting the recipients for the prestigious John Minor Wisdom pro bono award. We welcome young lawyers and experienced lawyers to partner with us as we seek to enhance the profession through pro bono and public service.

Announcements

Pro Bono Attorneys Domestic Violence Training

During this training, learn how to represent victims of domestic violence at final restraining order hearings. Already representing victims of domestic violence? Come learn more about the statute, crimes and relief! Register by April 6th!

Note from the Editor

Please send us your ideas for new activities you would like the editorial board to pursue. If you are interested in submitting an article for upcoming newsletter issues, or offer comments, send an email to Dawn DuVerney.

Message from the Chairs

When the going gets tough, great pro bono volunteers get going! When you turn to the web, TV, or radio, and all you hear is bad news, it is difficult to take. Economic downturn, high unemployment, increased foreclosures, crowded shelters, and the list goes on. Sometimes it feels like our communities are crashing down around us.

It could be enough to give up hope but not for the legal profession.

In our profession, our ability to practice depends on one critical expectation of each attorney: Everyone contributes. Everyone does his or her part. Our profession requires those who are fortunate enough to complete a legal education still to meet several standards to receive a coveted license to put that legal education to use. Not only must one pass a bar admission test in any state where her or she expects to practice, but also one meet character standards and pledge to contribute pro bono time to the poor and those who lack access to justice.

Our committee is built around the idea that we are all at our best when we perform pro bono work. We explore new ways to do more, do it well, and encourage our colleagues to join us in pro bono work.

Thank you for being a part of this committee, which is so important to our profession. We encourage your activity in the committee. Bring ideas! Tell us about great projects! Write articles for our newsletter! Let us know how you want to work with the ABA to raise the bar when it comes to pro bono.

Together we can make a difference!

Mark B. Helm, Randall (Randy) Chapman, Angela C. Vigil, and Geoffrey Vitt
Cochairs, Section of Litigation Pro Bono & Public Interest Committee