Pro Bono

Gun-control groups join BigLaw coalition; seven firms are on board so far

Seven well-known law firms have agreed to provide tens of millions of dollars in free legal services to gun-control groups, and several more firms are expected to join the effort in coming months. A New York Times DealBook article identifies the law firms as: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison;…

Dec 7, 2016 10:02 AM CST

Mobile Justice: Minnesota law school takes pro bono work on the road

In most parts of the country, recreational vehicles are typically used for leisure activities. But in Minnesota, a 20-year-old RV has been retrofitted for a new purpose: to house the Mobile Law Network, a traveling pro bono law office.

Dec 1, 2016 4:10 AM CST

Technology is making it easier for lawyers to do pro bono work

The legal industry already has been heavily affected by technology and the “Uber-ization” of the marketplace. It follows that pro bono work also would be affected.

Dec 1, 2016 1:35 AM CST

ABA introduces Blueprint service to help lawyers operate their practices more efficiently

For many lawyers in small firms and solo practices, legal technology represents the ultimate catch-22.

Dec 1, 2016 1:30 AM CST

Asian-American bar officials acknowledge fears amid hate crime reports; more resources offered

Members of Asian-American bar associations are acknowledging some fears as their groups raise concerns about hate crimes and troubling rhetoric. Among those reporting disturbing incidents is Cyndie Chang, managing partner of the Los Angeles office of Duane Morris and president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National…

Nov 28, 2016 10:44 AM CST

Lawyers and activists use #TransLawHelp to mobilize and protect rights of trans people

A new Twitter hashtag, #TransLawHelp, has been connecting dozens of transgender people with lawyers offering pro bono help with changing names and gender markers ahead of a Trump-Pence administration. Launched the day after the election by Riley, a black trans person tweeting from @dtwps, the hashtag’s popularity inspired its creator…

Nov 14, 2016 3:40 PM CST

Jones Day and ABA develop VetLex legal referral network to provide pro bono help to veterans

Jones Day is hosting programs at 18 of its offices on Friday to introduce lawyers and executives to a referral program being developed with the ABA that will link veterans to pro bono and low-cost lawyers. The program, expected to launch in the spring, is called VetLex, report Bloomberg Big…

Nov 11, 2016 8:38 AM CST

Veterans Day offers lawyers opportunity to aid those who protect our rights and freedoms

Phyllis, an elderly veteran in Wyoming, was disabled, homeless and losing hope. While living on the streets, Phyllis had lost her identification card and all her personal paperwork. As a result, she was unable to apply for food stamps, housing and other assistance.

Nov 1, 2016 4:00 AM CDT

NAACP’s Sherrilyn Ifill: Lawyers must step up in cop-shootings crisis

Sherrilyn Ifill warns of a crisis of confidence in the rule of law.

Oct 1, 2016 1:20 AM CDT

States look to fill legal aid gap by letting emeritus attorneys do pro bono work

Starting in September, retired and inactive attorneys in Ohio will be able to do some pro bono work under a new rule that’s meant to make it easier for folks without a lot of resources to get access to justice.

Sep 1, 2016 3:40 AM CDT

California governor cites high law school costs in vetoing mandatory pro bono bill

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday vetoed a bill that would have required would-be lawyers to complete at least 50 hours of supervised pro bono work before admission to the bar. Brown cited the high cost of legal education in vetoing the bill, report the Sacramento Bee and the Recorder…

Aug 31, 2016 8:50 AM CDT

ABA backs adequate legal fees for lawyers awarded $10K out of $160K budget for capital filing

Lawyers appointed to represent capital defendants in habeas appeals must be fully compensated for the work performed, the ABA says in an amicus brief filed with a federal appeals court. The ABA filed the brief in the case of Mark Christeson, a Missouri inmate sentenced to death in 1999, according…

Aug 18, 2016 3:32 PM CDT

ABA’s Veterans Legal Services Initiative aims to create online resource, mobilize lawyers

ABA President Linda Klein has announced an effort to provide legal representation and resources for veterans. Klein says in a video that she became aware of the needs of veterans when members of her law firm volunteered at a homeless shelter. She learned that over half the needs of homeless…

Aug 10, 2016 2:16 PM CDT

Education, veterans’ rights and expanding services for ABA members will be focus of Klein’s term

In ABA President Linda A. Klein’s inaugural speech on Monday at the association’s annual meeting in San Francisco, she outlined three ambitious initiatives for her year-long term. These initiatives will help veterans with legal problems; ensure children get quality educations; and assist lawyers, especially small-firm and solos, in getting the…

Aug 8, 2016 9:25 PM CDT

Sherrilyn Ifill: Police shootings are creating crisis of confidence in the rule of law

The seemingly constant stream of new videos and other reports of African-Americans being shot by police under questionable circumstances is creating a crisis of confidence in the rule of law, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Sherrilyn Ifill told a luncheon gathering Saturday for the…

Aug 6, 2016 6:25 PM CDT