Pro Bono

Serving the Profession: The ABA fights for lawyers, legal rights and a better system of justice

In meetings with lawyers around the country, a question I often hear is: “What does the ABA do for me?” My answer every time: More than you realize.

Mar 1, 2018 12:35 AM CST

Legal community meets relief challenges after hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Attorneys affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma have risen to the occasion in ways personal, professional and altruistic, even when dealing with storm damage of their own. And four months after two hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, the situation for lawyers there is still hard to assess.

Feb 1, 2018 12:00 AM CST

Nixon Peabody opens tech incubator for LGBTQ entrepreneurs

Nixon Peabody’s San Francisco office is now home to a rainbow crew of LGBTQ startups, with seven already part of the new StartOut Growth Lab and about a dozen in the pipeline.

Dec 1, 2017 1:50 AM CST

Have you worked on any pro bono cases this year?

This week is the ABA’s National Pro Bono Celebration, and lawyers and law firms across the nation are participating in volunteer events. Many efforts this year are in response to ABA President Hilarie Bass’ Legal Needs of Homeless Youth Initiative. Pro Bono Net is marking the week by posting profiles…

Oct 25, 2017 12:53 PM CDT

Posner says he is organizing a national pro-bono group that includes ex-prisoner

Updated: Former Judge Richard Posner is continuing his quest to help pro se litigants by forming a nationwide pro bono law group made up of lawyers and consultants.

Oct 24, 2017 9:33 AM CDT

Las Vegas shooting victims and their families are offered free civil legal help

Victims of Sunday night’s mass shooting in Las Vegas and their family members are being offered free civil legal help by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. The center is prepared to help with several types of legal issues stemming from the tragedy, according to the State Bar of…

Oct 6, 2017 10:22 AM CDT

Tackling the Homeless Youth Crisis

The American Bar Association believes this is a global civil rights issue, and we urgently need the help of lawyers and legal leaders across the country.

Oct 1, 2017 4:15 AM CDT

ABA helps set up hotline for islanders needing legal assistance after hurricanes

With the infrastructure of the U.S. Virgin Islands heavily damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the ABA has helped launch a mainland hotline for those needing legal assistance. By dialing 800-310-7029, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can call to request disaster-related legal assistance between the hours of 9 a.m.…

Sep 21, 2017 7:30 AM CDT

Florida Bar raises income cap for Free Legal Answers website to help Hurricane Irma victims

The Florida Bar has raised the income cap for users of the Florida Free Legal Answers online legal clinic to help more victims of Hurricane Irma get answers to their legal questions.

Sep 11, 2017 8:31 AM CDT

Florida Bar Foundation allocates up to $500K for civil legal aid after hurricane, establishes fund

The Florida Bar Foundation’s board of directors has approved allocating up to $500,000 to support legal organizations after Hurricane Irma. The money can be spent to repair building damage, cover equipment losses and help clients with hurricane-related legal issues, according to a press release. The bar foundation has also created…

Sep 8, 2017 10:55 AM CDT

Your ABA: The Year Ahead

ABA President Hilarie Bass has chosen homeless youth as the pro bono project for her presidency. She says resolving their common legal needs makes a real difference in their lives.

Sep 1, 2017 1:15 AM CDT

Lawyers licensed outside Texas can provide help to Harvey victims, Texas high court order says

The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an emergency order allowing out-of-state lawyers to practice in the state temporarily to provide pro bono assistance to Hurricane Harvey victims.

Aug 30, 2017 9:07 AM CDT

Mindy Yocum: Making the system work for modest-means clients

Mindy Yocum

Aug 30, 2017 8:30 AM CDT

Sentencing reform and criminal defense groups launch state-level clemency project

Clemency Project 2014 ended when Barack Obama left office in January. But several legal groups have launched a clemency project of their own aimed at the states. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has teamed up with sentencing reform group Families Against Mandatory Minimums on the State Clemency Project,…

Aug 25, 2017 3:00 PM CDT

State goes high-tech to recruit pro bono attorneys

A virtual reality training series are designed to demystify the courtroom experience and entice newer or courtroom-shy attorneys.

Aug 1, 2017 1:55 AM CDT