Workshop Materials 2009

EJC Pre-Conference

Beyond the Basics: A Program for Experienced Pro Bono Managers

Anthony H. Barash, Director Emeritus, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL
Helenka Marculewicz, President, National Association of Pro Bono Professionals and Executive Director, Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project, Dayton, OH
Sara Woods, Executive Director, Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program, Philadelphia, PA
David Ackerly, Directing Attorney, Homeless Veterans Project Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, CA
Martha Delaney, Assistant Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers Network, Minneapolis, MN
Pedro J. Fierro, Equal Justice Volunteer Program Coordinator, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Midland, TX
Jennifer van Dulmen, Managing Attorney, Community Legal Aid, Akron, OH

Document available: Summary of Proceedings

Document available: Agenda

Document available: Speaker Biographies

Beyond the Basics: A Program for Experienced Pro Bono Managers will explore issues of concern to stand-alone pro bono programs and programs affiliated with legal aid providers, bar associations and other organizations. We will focus on enabling legal services providers and pro bono programs to recognize how they complement one another in their community’s legal services delivery system, particularly where there is a history of resistance to cooperation and an environment of competition for funding, volunteers and other resources, cases and recognition in the community. Our goal will be to encourage participants to think strategically about sustaining their programs – leading and managing pro bono programs; funding; and, support of staff. This is a terrific opportunity to share your experience and expertise with experienced pro bono managers from different pro bono delivery models and settings in a candid discussion.

EJC Workshops

Access To Justice Commissions: Initiatives, Innovations, And Accomplishments

Robert Echols, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives, Bailey Island, ME
Prof. Charles Goldner, Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, Little Rock, AR
Hon. Jon D. Levy, Chair, Maine Justice Action Group, Portland, ME
Sarah Singleton, New Mexico Access to Justice Commission, ,

In a growing number of states (now over half) an Access to Justice commission or similar entity brings together the Supreme Court, organized bar, legal aid programs, law schools, and other stakeholders to expand access to civil justice. Members of three ATJ commissions will describe how the commission has made a difference in their state, with a special focus on innovative approaches, including Maine s long-term planning initiative; Arkansas web-based tool to provide information to legislators; and New Mexico s pro se and pro bono plans, and engage with the audience in a discussion of how ATJ commissions can be most effective.

An Update On The National Pro Bono Celebration

Sharon Browning, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Philadelphia, PA
Mark Schickman, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, San Francisco, CA
Kelly Tautges, Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL

Come to this workshop to learn more about the National Pro Bono Celebration being planned for October 25-31, 2009 and to share your own plans and ideas. The ABA's Celebration project consultant will be on hand to update attendees on plans being developed around the country and to anwer your questions about strategies for what can be done in your own legal community.

Bankruptcy Pro Se Assistance Models That Work

Chancela al-Mansour, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, Pacoima, CA
Jennifer A. Beardsley, Montana Legal Services Association, Billings, MT

Consumer bankruptcy filings are up, and debtors of limited means are filing without counsel at increasing rates. Courts recognize the need to provide or arrange for assistance for these pro se filers, including in the courthouse itself at a help desk or self-help center. This workshop will present pro se help desk or assistance center models that are manned by court staff, legal aid lawyers, and volunteers.

Best Practices And Tips For Optimal Law Student Recruitment, Supervision, And Long-Term Relationship Development

Chancela Al-Mansour, Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County, Pacoima,
Steve Grumm, National Association for Law Placement (NALP), Washington, DC
Thomas Maligno, Touro Public Advocacy Center, Central Islip, NY
Sara Woods, Esq., Philadelphia VIP, Philadelphia, PA

Document available: AlMansour_Outline

This popular workshop delivers concrete solutions for recruiting and managing law students. In this severe economic environment when programs' resources are stretched to the limit, we increasingly rely upon a dedicated and well-trained pool of law students to better serve our clients. This panel of successful law student recruiters and placement directors will share recruitment practices, supervision models, and ways to ensure the retention of our law students as future staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and financial contributors. We encourage attendees to bring their experiences and best ideas to the workshop to contribute to this highly interactive program.

Building A High Performance Legal Hotline Team

Janice J. Chiaretto, Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, Middletown, CT
Kari Deming, Lakeshore Legal Aid, ,
Kari Deming, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Southfield, MI
Joan Kleinberg, Northwest Justice Project, Seattle, WA

Document available: Chiaretto_Outline

Document available: Chiaretto_Handout1

Document available: Chiaretto_Handout2

Building a high performing advocacy team in a legal hotline environment presents unique challenges, as the mission, tasks and stresses of hotline work differ from those in the field. This workshop will examine the elements of a high performance team and address key issues such as hiring practices, performance standards and expectations, traditional and non-hierarchical models of case review, staff evaluation, and general support of the team for the ultimate benefit of clients.

Building Home Security For Low-Income Homeowners

The Mississippi Center for Justice responded innovatively to contractor fraud, heirship property, and foreclosure, and the collaborative models can be easily adopted. MCJ recruited pro bono attorneys, law students, and multiple entities for direct service, outreach, and research on the overlapping issues.

Business Law Programming Breakfast Session

Jane Elizabeth Curran, The Florida Bar Foundation, Orlando, FL
Angela C. Vigil, Baker & McKenzie LLP, Miami, FL

Equal Justice Conference attendees are invited to attend the ABA Section of Business Law s Day of Programming Opening Session. Speakers will cover topics that are local in nature, but will be of interest to others around the country, including the Florida Bar Foundation s Legal Aid Salary Study, the recent Florida Bar Foundation Pro Bono Study, and the Miami Bet Tzedek Holocaust survivors clinic.

Challenges To The Successful Launch Of National Pro Bono Efforts: Lessons Learned And Plans For The Future

Nancy J. Anderson, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington, DC
Mitch Kamin, Bet Tzedek Legal Services - The House of Justice, Los Angeles, CA
David Lash, O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Los Angeles, CA
Trisha L. Lawson, Bank of America, New York, NY
Amanda D. Smith, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, PA

Document available: Anderson_Outline

This workshop will discuss the challenges and benefits of organizing a national effort through collaboration with local partners. Panelists will examine initiatives that address national issues through the dissemination and replication of delivery models at the local level such as the Holocaust Reparations and Election Protection projects. Presenters will evaluate lessons learned, processes developed and tools for successfully implementing a model program.

Court-Based Access To Justice Innovations In Tough Budget Times: Ideas, Models And Tools

Bonnie Hough, California Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA
Susan Ledray, 4th District Court, Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Judy Meadows, Montana State Law Library, Helena, MT
Tina Rasnow, Consultant, Ventura, CA
Richard Zorza, Self-Reresented Litigation Network, Washington, DC

Document available: Zorza_Handout1

Document available: Zorza_Handout2

Cost-effective access to justice innovations for the self-represented include training for staff and judges, promotion of unbundling, standardization of plain language forms, and steps for increasing compliance with orders and judgments. Presenters will introduce Leadership Modules on these topics developed by the Self-Represented Litigation Network and discuss how courts and their partners can use them to advocate for and implement positive change in difficult economic crisis.

Creative Uses Of Technology In Addressing The Foreclosure Crisis

David Bonebrake, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project, San Francisco, CA
Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net, San Francisco, CA
Jason Vail, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Chicago, IL

As the magnitude of the economic crisis becomes apparent, legal aid programs providing foreclosure assistance to low-income people face serious challenges meeting the growing need. Several organizations have turned to technology to improve the delivery client services and expand the impact of foreclosure assistance projects. This session explores specific examples of programs integrating technology in foreclosure litigation and outreach projects.

Delivering Legal Services To Active-Duty Servicemembers And Their Families: Resources And Opportunities For Legal Aid And Pro Bono Attorneys

Cynthia L. Catalan, Department of the Navy, Regional Legal Service Office SE, Mayport, FL
Michael L. Monahan, State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project, Atlanta, GA
Jason T. Vail, American Bar Association, Chicago, IL

Document available: Vail_Outline

Document available: Vail_Handout1

Document available: Vail_Handout2

There is a growing movement in legal services and pro bono communities to find effective ways to deliver civil legal assistance to active-duty servicemembers and their families. This session will focus on the substantive legal issues and problems encountered by servicemembers, opportunities for legal aid and pro bono attorneys to serve this eligible client population, and the resources available to support such work. Panelists will discuss the role and scope of services provided by military legal assistance, local and state-based efforts to deliver legal help to service members, and the ABA’s national pro bono project serving military personnel.

Ethics Of Pro Bono Programs And Their Providers

Will Hornsby, ABA, Chicago, IL

The relationship between pro bono programs and the providers of the services is unique within the practice of law. That relationship imposes ethics obligations that are not always clearly set out or responsive to particular circumstances. This workshop will explore issues involving confidentiality, conflicts of interest, imputed conflicts, and other aspects of the relationship between a program and its providers.

Expand Capacity The Americorps Way: Leveraging Volunteer Resources To Develop Programs And Increase Access

Michelle Hauer, Montana Legal Services, Helena, MT
Michelle Hopkins, Los Angeles Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA
Cole McMahon, Equal Justice Works, Washington, DC
Alison L. Paul, Montana Legal Services, Helena, MT
Eve Ricaurte, Iowa Legal Aid, Davenport, IA
Klaus Sitte, Montana Legal Services, Missoula, MT

Document available: Hopkins_Outline

Given the current funding crisis in legal services the ability to hire new staff positions will decline. We will discuss the Americorps Programs as an option to increase staff capacity for projects, including VISTA, AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps Legal Fellows, and Justice corps.Examples from Montana, California, Equal Justice Works and Iowa. These are alternative resources that legal non-profits can tap into to increase their capacity. Examples from Montana, California and Iowa will be shared, along with tips on how to apply for these resources, supervision and performance measures, etc.

Exploring Strategies To Improve Access To Counsel For Immigrants Under The Obama Administration

Karen T. Grisez, Fried Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, Washington, DC
Meredith Linsky, South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project, Harlingen, TX
JoNel Newman, University of Miami School of Law, Miami, FL

The panel will discuss the historical principles of the right to counsel in immigration cases as well as recent 11th-hour Bush Administration modifications denying immigrants a constitutional right to counsel and the challenges this presents. Panelists will highlight responses to these challenges and strategies for change and provide concrete guidance to pursue ineffective assistance claims. The discussion will conclude with information on the extraordinary need for counsel on the part of vulnerable groups including children and the mentally ill and outreach strategies for pro bono assistance.

Federal Funding Roundtable: Working with the New Administration; the Stimulus Package; Other Potential Federal Funding Streams

Meredith McBurney, ABA Resource Center for ATJ Initiatives, Denver, CO

We welcome all those involved in raising funds from non-LSC federal sources to participate in this discussion. Experts from our community will be on hand to discuss the status of the various sources of federal funding for which legal services providers are either directly or indirectly eligible. This will include money available at the federal level through various agencies, as well as Stimulus Package funds that are being disbursed at the state and local levels.

Fostering Information Sharing And Collaboration To Maximize Successful Team And Partnership Efforts

Madelynn Herman, Supreme Court of Virginia, Office of the Executive Secretary, Richmond, VA
Don Reinhart, University of Phoenix, Tucson, AZ

Document available: Herman_Outline

Document available: Herman_Handout1

Document available: Herman_Handout2

Document available: Herman_Handout3

This is a nuts and bolts session that will address what it takes to start and sustain successful partnership efforts. Reasons to collaborate and partner; how to get the right people to the table; building an effective collaborative team; how to re-invigorate an existing team; and barriers that inhibit collaborative approaches will be discussed.

Getting To Uniform Court Forms

Claudia C. Johnson, Pro Bono Net, Livermore, CA
Susan Ledray, Self Help Center, 4th Judicial District Court, MN, Minneapolis, MN
Karen Speed Miller, Travis County Law Library, Austin, TX
Richard Zorza, Self Represented Litigant Network, Washington, DC

Document available: Johnson_Handout1

We will discuss how to achieve uniform court forms focusing on states that have little or no forms in place, states that have some forms but are not accepted in other regions, and states that already have regional forms adopted. We will discuss how to start the process, how to advocate for uniform forms, common pitfalls, and how to identify good forms. We will discuss options can be taken after a court system and state have adopted uniform forms to better assist self represented litigants. Participants will consult with each other and learn from the audience.

Getting To 'Yes' With The Big Firms: Best Practices For Pro Bono Partnerships

Nicole Friant, Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Gregory A. McConnell, Winston & Strawn LLP, Chicago, IL
Ellen Spiegel, Kaye Scholer LLP, New York, NY
Crystal Utley, Mississippi Center for Justice, Biloxi, MS
Hernan D. Vera, Public Counsel, Los Angeles, CA

Document available: McConnell_Outline

The power of pro bono in furthering access to justice is undeniable; however, what it takes to effectively run a pro bono program is not always mutually understood between providers and their partners. As a legal service provider, do you struggle to obtain responses to those critical status surveys? Law firms, do you wish cases could be better screened? Panelists will discuss these issues and others, offer tips for effective pro bono partnerships and encourage frank conversation among attendees with the goal of developing a deeper understanding and proposing solutions to chronic challenges.

Hot Topics In Legal Aid

Helaine Barnett, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC
Deborah Hankinson, ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants, Dallas, TX
Don Saunders, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Washington, DC

This session will concentrate on current developments affecting the legal aid community. Among the issues to be considered will be: 1) Status of efforts to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation and to remove restrictions; 2) Funding outlook for FY 2010; 3) Developments affecting IOLTA; 4) Status of transition of new LSC board; 5) the status of loan repayment assistance initiatives; and 6) other matters of interest to the civil legal aid community.

Hot Topics In Medical-Legal Partnership

Steven Blatt, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Paula Galowitz, New York University School of Law, New York, NY
Randye Retkin, New York Legal Assistance Group, New York, NY
Pamela Tames, National Center for Medical Legal Partnership, Boston, MA
Document available: Tames_Outline
Document available: Galowitz & Retkin Presentation
Document available: Tames Presentation

Lawyers and front-line health care providers - doctors, nurses and social workers - are now partnered at over 160 hospitals and health centers nationwide, serving children, the elderly and other vulberable populations. While the MLPs evolve and grow, lawyers seek to adapt their legal training and practice to advocate effectively in these new enviroments. This session will share the practice, training and ethical challenges lawyers encounter as they partner with and train health care providers in advocacy. The session is appropriate for lawyers from developing to established sites.

Housing Litigation Collaboration: How Law Firms And Legal Services Offices Can Work Together

Kevin J. Curnin, Stroock Stroock & Lavan LLP, New York, NY
Harvey Epstein, Urban Justice Center, New York, NY

Document available: Curnin_Handout

How can law firms and legal services providers efficiently and effectively tackle endemic urban legal problems? This workshop examines one model of collaboration designed to address unfair treatment of modest means tenants in New York City. Panelists will cover key questions to consider in building collaboration, including: 1) What is the problem and is there a viable legal solution? 2) What are the internal needs of the collaborators? 3) How should the collaboration be structured? 4) What makes the project sustainable? and 5) What makes the project a success? The session is designed to be interactive, so bring your own ideas for tentative collaborations for discussion.

Ideals Of Access And Justice In Legal Education

Will Hornsby, ABA, Chicago, IL

The University of Maryland School of Law has launched a new initiative: Leadership, Ethics and Democracy Building. Designed to cultivate a new generation of culturally competent lawyer-leaders, one feature of the initiative is a new Ethics and Professional Responsibility Course for clinical law students.

Identity Theft: When Victims Need Legal Help

Russell P. Butler, JD, Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, Inc., Upper Marlboro, MD
Joanna P. Crane, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC
Paula Pierce, Texas Legal Services Center, Austin, TX

Document available: Crane_Outline

The damage to identity theft victims credit reports affects access to credit, loans, mortgages, insurance, and rental housing. Identity thieves also can get public assistance, employment, create arrest records, or obtain utilities in their victims names. This workshop will provide the resources to help you deal with this wide range of challenges, and guide service providers in how and when to utilize pro bono attorneys to represent identity theft victims.

Implicit Bias And Cultural Competency In Legal Services

Judge Fern Fisher, New York City Courts, NY, NY
Claudia Johnson, Pro Bono Net, Livermore, CA
Lillian Moy, LASNYY, Albany, NY

In this workshop we will discuss implicit bias and discuss how this affects our interactions with clients as attorneys. We will have examples based on court procedures to illustrate. We will share cultural competency tools and discuss steps that we can take internally within our organizations to provide culturally competent legal services in a legal non profit context.

Increasing Access To Justice For Litigants With Borderline Mental Health Issues

Document available: Rasnow_Handout

Self-represented litigants suffering from mental illness or personality disorders have unique challenges accessing the court. Pro bono representation may be possible for such litigants by having a guardian ad litem appointed by the court.

Inspiring Solo And Small Practitioners To Contribute Pro Bono Legal Services

Susan Khoury, Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., Orlando, FL
Melanie A. Kushnir, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL
Virginia A. Martin, New Hampshire Bar Association, Concord, NH
Mark V Morsch, Morsch Law Firm, Winter Park, FL

Solo practitioners and small firms make up the vast majority of the legal practice community. Learn about the challenges to pro bono participation that these attorneys and firms face and strategies for addressing those challenges.

Integrating A Legal Hotline Into The Legal Services Delivery System

David Godfrey, American Bar Association Commission on Aging, Washington, DC
Mary Haberland, Florida Senior Legal Hotline/Bay Area Legal Services, Tampa, FL
John Simpson, Legal Services Society of British Columbia, Vancover, BC

Document available: Godfrey_Outline

Document available: Godfrey_Handout1

Document available: Godfrey_Handout2

A legal hotline is a piece of the legal services delivery puzzle. A hotline screener must recognize the legal issue and refer the caller to the most appropriate service: advice or limited service from a hotline advocate, intake for legal aid representation, access to online or print information, or referral to another organization. The training will cover this role for the hotline screener; training hotline screeners on issue spotting, including urgent or systemic issues; and techniques for matching the client with the best level of legal services available.

Lawyers And Social Workers Working Together: Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

Genie Miller Gillespie, Center for Law and Social Work, Chicago, IL
Maria Nanos, Center for Law and Social Work, Chicago, IL
Angel Williams, Center for Law and Social Work, Chicago, IL

Document available: Gillespie_PowerPoint

Lawyers and Social Workers from the CLSW will discuss and role play ethical issues which may arise when lawyers and social workers work together. CLSW staff will also discuss their collaborative model and why it works so well for families, especially the aging population.

Legal Assistance To Low-income Victims Of Major Disasters: A Collaborative Mission

Anthony H. Barash, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL
Juliet K. Choi, American Red Cross, Washington, DC
Ken Curtin, Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York, NY
John C. Eidleman, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC

This workshop will discuss the latest developments and issues involved with collaborative and coordinated disaster legal assistance programs, including policies and practices to facilitate the delivery of legal services in the aftermath of a major disaster.Low-income and other disadvantaged residents are disproportionately affected by major disasters. Panelists are experienced in the myriad of issues facing the legal services delivery system that necessitate collaboration and coordination to assure effective advocacy and representation of these clients.

Lessons Learned: Starting And Sustaining A Successful Veterans Assistance Project

David Ackerly, Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, CA
Carol Bockner (Moderator), City Bar Justice Center, New York, NY
Tripp Greason, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Winston-Salem, NC
Rene Kathawala, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, New York, NY

Document available: Bockner_Oultine

Although there are a large number of veterans service departments and advocacy groups, there are not nearly enough legal service providers to assist the growing number of veterans in need of legal help. With the help of attorneys, veterans are more likely to receive the benefits to which they're entitled, and less likely to need to appeal in the future. Panelists will discuss the importance of partnerships in working with veterans, tips for community outreach and successful models for volunteer participation.

Lighting The Way: How Medical And Legal Professionals Use Community Projects To Bring Service To Clients And Greater Communication To Their Professional Partnerships

Anne Goldstein, New York Law School, New York, NY
Cheryl Nolan, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC
Bonnie B. Roswig, Medical Legal Partnership Project of the Center for Children's Advocacy, Hartford, CT
Liz Tobin Tyler, Esq., Feinstein Institute for Legal Service, Roger Williams University School of Law, Bristol, RI

Document available: Tames_Outline

Medical Legal Partnership Projects provide a unique opportunity for attorneys to provide client service in a medical arena. This collaboration provides unparallel opportunities and unique challenges. Law schools can also be an important and valuable partner in this delivery model. This session will 1) present the medical-legal partnership model 2) discuss some of the challenges of this interdisciplinary model 3) explore ways to meet some of those challenges and 3) give an example of a collaborative energy clinic which includes partnering with law schools.

Local Public Funding: Legislative Advocacy To Increase Resources For Legal Services And Legal Aid Programs

Edwina Frances Martin, Legal Services NYC, New York, NY
Thomas Matsuda, Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Portland, OR

Document available: Martin_Outline

Document available: Martin_Handout1

Document available: Martin_Handout2

Document available: Martin_Handout3

Document available: Martin_Handout4

Document available: Martin_Handout5

Document available: Martin_Handout6

Document available: Martin_Handout7

Effective lobbying for funding with state and local governments is beneficial in many ways it educates a key audience about the work we do; it raises our profile with legislators; and, most importantly, it increases support. In this way, legal services and pro bono programs can increase resources for their programs and create new projects to address emerging needs of their communities. This session will focus on learning how to advocate for local funding, successful communication strategies and enrolling pro bono assistance.

LSC Updates

Helaine Barnett, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC

Legal services advocates will have the opportunity to interact with the LSC president on significant LSC activities, including sharing their efforts to marshal resources and focus program advocacy to achieve the greatest possible benefits in significant cases for clients and other low-income people who face similar legal problems and for the eligible population as a whole.

LSC-Funded Programs Harness Private Bar Resources: A Spotlight On Innovative Models To Advance Economic Justice

Stephanie Edelstein (Moderator), Legal Services Corporation, Office of Program Performance, Washington, DC
David Hall, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Weslaco, TX
Alison Paul, Montana Legal Services Association, Missoula, MT
Ellena Simmons, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Fort Worth, TX

Document available: Edelstein_Outline

Document available: Edelstein_handout1

Document available: Edelstein_handout2

Document available: Edelstein_handout3

Document available: Edelstein_handout4

Volunteer attorneys are an invaluable resource to LSC-funded programs struggling to serve clients in today's economy. This workshop will focus on recruitment, support and utilization of volunteer attorneys to assist clients with wage claim and other employment issues, and with bankruptcy. Panelists will also discuss how the LSC Program Letter on Private Attorney Involvement provides guidance on the integration of private attorneys into the work of LSC-funded programs.

Maintaining The Focus: Katrina Survivors Still Need Our Help

Bonnie Allen, Mississippi Center for Justice, Jackson, MS
Davida Finger, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA
Rachel Piercey, The Pro Bono Project, New Orleans, LA
Roberta Ritvo, DLA Piper, Washington, DC
Crystal Utley, MCJ, Mississippi Center for Justice, Biloxi, MS

Document available: Finger_Outline

Nearly four years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, many legal issues arising directly from the storms remain and new challenges continue to be identified. This workshop will identify new and continuing issues arising from the hurricanes; address the implications, such as contractor fraud and foreclosure; and discuss how to sustain volunteer involvement in tackling these ongoing and new challenges. Participants will learn how to better plan for long-term disaster response legal services, and maintain volunteer focus over time.

Making Recovery From Disasters Easier Through Technology

Matthew Burnett, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY
Michael Monahan, State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project, Atlanta, GA

Katrina, Ike, California earthquakes, Iowa floods. Responding to natural disasters is not new to the legal services community, but over the past several years there has been an uptick in the role of technology in those response efforts. From websites to cell phones, from hotlines to LiveHelp, technology is being used to help address some of the vast legal needs in the aftermath of a disaster. Hear about and discuss how different programs have applied technology to issues such as pro bono recruitment, cross-jurisdictional partnerships, client services and advocacy, fundraising, among others. In addition, we will also look briefly at program disaster planning and highlight available resources.

Maximizing Client Services Through Collaborative Partnerships With Law Schools

Charlene E. Gomes, Equal Justice Works, Washington, DC
Summer L. Griggs, Three Rivers Legal Services, Jacksonville, FL
Marni Lennon, University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, FL

Document available: Gomes_Outline

Document available: Gomes_Handout

Partnerships with law school pro bono, clinical, and other programs can help legal services providers meet clients legal needs by providing resources, research, student attorneys, and more. Panelists will discuss models for successful partnerships between legal service organizations and law schools and the increased services for clients that resulted. Participants will then break into small groups for an interactive exercise to consider the steps of matching a legal service organization with a law school partner.

Maximizing Resources For Intake And Hotlines To Achieve Quality (PART I): What You Can Do With Limited Resources

Kari Deming, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Southfield, MI
Joan Kleinberg, Northwest Justice Project, Seattle, WA
Lisa L. Mantel, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc., Toledo, OH
Cheryl Nolan, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC
Martin Ostensen, Alberta Law Line, Edmonton, AB
Eve Ricaurte, Iowa Legal Aid, Davenport, IA
Norman D. Wheeler, Kentucky Legal Aid, Bowling Green, KY

Document available: Nolan_Outline

This two-part session addresses the challenges faced by intake and hotline programs in balancing maximum call volume and providing meaningful, quality services. Part 1 focuses on strategic priority setting, the art and science of saying no, and meeting the dual challenges of speed and quality. Part 2 focuses on technology tools to maximize efficiency.

Maximizing The Benefits Of Loan Repayment Assistance And Forgiveness Programs

Kelly Carmody, Carmody and Associates, Phoenix, AZ
Heather Wells Jarvis, Equal Justice Works, Washington, DC
Don Saunders, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Washington, DC

Document available: Jarvis_Handout1

Document available: Jarvis_Handout2

Document available: Jarvis_Handout3

Document available: Jarvis_Handout4

Document available: Jarvis_Handout5

High student loan debt is a barrier to recruiting and retaining public interest attorneys. Learn how attorneys can use new federal public service loan forgiveness and assistance programs to make their debt affordable and pay it off more quickly. Also learn how to design employer, law school and statewide Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) to maximize investments in these LRAPS, by filling in the gaps that exist in the federal programs.

MIE Roundtable For Legal Aid Executive Directors And Managers

This forum provides legal aid executive directors and managers with an opportunity to share management concerns and receive peer support and assistance in an informal and confidential setting. The roundtable will be facilitated by members of the Management Information Exchange Board of Directors.

Money When We Need It Most: Resource Development In An Economic Crisis

Meredith McBurney, Management Information Exchange, Denver, CO

Economic crises are a real test of the strength of our resource development strategies. This session will be an opportunity to talk with leaders from programs that are weathering the economic downturn better than others and discuss current strategies and plans for the future.

Not Just A Pretty Interface: A2j Author® Is Changing How We Achieve Justice Through Technology

John Mayer, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), Chicago, IL
Rachel R. Medina, Training Coordinator, Santa Monica, CA
Eve Ricaurte, Iowa Legal Aid, Davenport, IA
Ronald W. Staudt, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL

Document available: Online Demo of A2J Author

Document available: Medina_Handout1

A2J Author® is changing the face of intake, document assembly and e-filing by bringing together disparate stakeholders in the legal justice process. After the culmination of ten years of research, development and implementation the panelists bring a variety of valuable perspectives on technology and justice initiatives to guide selection and management of future projects.

NTAP's 50 New Tech Tips To Survive Hard Economic Times

David Bonebrake, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project, San Francisco, CA
Matthew Burnett, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY
Rachel Medina, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project, Santa Monica, CA
Glenn Rawdon, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC

Document available: Presentation

Back again by popular demand! Standing room only, this session features quick tips that can change how you work. Never a repeat, this year's session will specifically features tips that are free, low cost and help programs broaden their impact and work more efficiently.

Opportunities In International Pro Bono

Anthony H. Barash, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL
John Corker, Australia National Pro Bono Resource Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia, Non-USA
Edwin Rekosh, Public Interest Law Institute, New York, NY
Suzanne E. Turner, Dechert LLP, Washington, DC
Marilyn S. Zelin, Self, Tamarac, FL

Panelists will discuss a variety of programs that use volunteer attorneys to advance democracy and the rule of law, protect human rights, promote equitable economic development worldwide and advance the social and economic well-being of people in developing countries. Participants will learn about international pro bono opportunities, how to evaluate and participate in an international pro bono project and how to apply lessons learned to other pro bono activities.

Partnerships Between Courts, Law Schools And Legal Aid

Organizations with limited resources can partner with law firms, non-profits, and legal service agencies to create additional innovative resources that directly impact the community served. Educational opportunities, community faires, and additional services have resulted from such partnerships, which directly impact the community.

Penumbras Of Criminal Conviction: Collateral Consequences & Resulting Civil Impediments

Kelly L. Bidelman, Legal Aid & Defender Association, Inc., Pontiac, MI
Lynda Krupp, Legal Aid & Defender Association, Inc, Detroit, MI
Penny L. Willrich, Phoenix School of Law, Phoenix, AZ

Document available: Willrich_Outline

Many newly released ex-offenders face legal issues relating to employment, housing, identification, drivers licensing, child support, public benefits, entering trade school or college, licensing to engage in a variety of businesses or trades. The prisoner re-entry initiative is reducing recidivism by giving ex-offenders legal help to become productive members of society. We will explore the disparate impact ex-offenders face and examine strategies to assist ex-offenders with their civil legal needs, including the use of pro bono attorneys.

Policies And Ethics Of Delivering Legal Services Through Technology

Will Hornsby, ABA, Chicago, IL

Technology now enables networking with colleagues, outreach to clients and the delivery of legal services in some situations. It also enables the names of legal aid organizations to be poached, confidentiality to be breached and a risk of unauthorized practice of law. This workshop examines the need to create and address policies that maximize the use of technology in ways that balance the efficiencies that can be gained with the need to provide client protection.

Practicing Law Without A License, Sort Of: Multi-Jurisdictional Pro Bono Practice

Margaret Benson, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Chicago, IL
Maya Crawford, Campaign for Equal Justice, Portland, OR
Cathy Petrecca, Oregon State Bar, Tigard, OR
Kelly A. Tautges, The Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL

Document available: Benson_Outline

Document available: Benson_Handout1

Explore ways in which states have crafted rules permitting attorneys licensed in other states to perform pro bono work without taking another bar exam. Panelists will discuss which attorney populations - corporate counsel, retirees, federal practitioners - have been covered by the rules and why. Through a roundtable discussion, attendees will learn how other states have resolved issues that have arisen. Panelists will initiate a dialogue with attendees about the process by which those jurisdictions made changes to bar admission rules and how to start the process in their states.

Preserving Access To The Courts For Low Income People

Jane Perkins, National Health Law Program, Chapel Hill, NC

Document available: Perkins_Handout1

This workshop focuses on SCOTUS and COA developments regarding a private individual s ability to enforce provisions of federal statutes designed to provide benefits or to protect individual rights. Low-income people and people with disabilities are dealing with arguments that they cannot enforce provisions in spending clause statutes, such as Medicaid and TANF, and civil rights statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI. Attendees will learn about the latest arguments against private enforcement and how to respond to them.

Pro Bono And Provision Of Legal Services During Challenging Economic Times

Kimberly Mucha Abbott, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Sheila Gaddis, Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc., Rochester, NY
Amos Erik Hartston, Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, CA
David Lash, O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Los Angeles, CA
Louis S Rulli, Gittis Center for Clinical Legal Studies, Penn Law School, Philadelphia, PA

Document available: Abbott_Outline

Document available: Abbott_Handout

As we deal with the effects of the worst economic crisis our country has faced in decades, how does it affect the community that is providing legal services to the poor? How are legal service providers, firms, law schools, and agencies dealing with challenges arising from the crisis? This workshop will examine the challenges that have arisen from the crisis and focus on ways the public interest community is overcoming those challenges.

Pro Bono By The Numbers: A Discussion Of The 2008 ABA National Pro Bono Study

Jamie Hochman Herz, American Bar Association, Chicago, IL
Joanne Martin, American Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL

Document available: Herz_Outline

Did you know that 73% of attorneys surveyed reported providing free legal services to people of limited means or organizations serving the poor last year? Also, did you know that attorneys who performed these pro bono legal services contributed on average 41 hours of service? Come to this session to hear more about the improvements made in study methodology and the resulting findings of the recently released ABA Pro Bono Data Collection Study, which refined and updated the study conducted in 2004. There will be a facilitated discussion of next steps and we welcome your comments and input in this process.

Pro Bono Foreclosure Assistance And Prevention Program Models

Carol Bockner, City Bar Justice Center, New York, NY
Sharon E. Goldsmith, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc., Baltimore, MD
Sheila Meehan, Florida Legal Services, Inc., Tallahassee, FL
Jennifer J. van Dulmen, Community Legal Services, Inc., Akron, OH

Panelists from three different mortgage foreclosure assistance and prevention pro bono programs will cover critical aspects of their programs, including: funding and related issues, such as income eligibility, federal prohibitions against litigation and counseling requirements; partners; program structure; assistance provided; volunteer recruitment; volunteer and staff training; conflicts; logistics and other aspects of their programs.

Professional Support And Networking: Turning A Seedling Into A Blossoming Pro Bono Managers Association

Gloria Herron Arthur, New York State Bar Association, Albany, NY
Sheila Gaddis, Volunteer Legal Services Project, Rochester, NY
Tai Glenn, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Marcia Green, Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc., Gainesville, FL
Catherine A. Tucker, Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., Orlando, FL

Document available: Green_Outline

Document available: Green_Handout1

Document available: Green_Handout2

Document available: Green_Handout3

Document available: Green_Handout4

Document available: Green_Handout5

Document available: Green_Handout6

Document available: Green_Handout7

Document available: Green_Handout8

Document available: Green_Handout9

Document available: Green_Handout10

Document available: Green_Handout11

Pro bono staff often fulfill a unique role in the office and may feel isolated from others who confront the same challenges. Developing a networking group can provide support in a variety of ways. This workshop will discuss how networking groups benefit the staff, organization, and pro bono efforts. Participants will learn how to grow the participation and cooperation of citywide, regional or statewide resources. Panelists will discuss their experiences and explore how a statewide association can improve the visibility of pro bono and increase the awareness of legal needs.

Public Interest Attorney Salaries And Retention: How And Why To Improve Both

Kelly Carmody, Carmody and Associates, Phoenix, AZ
Steven Grumm, National Association of Law Placement, Washington, DC
Erica R. Shaffor, Three Rivers Legal Services, Jacksonville, FL
Dick Woltmann, Bay Area Legal Services, Tampa, FL

Document available: Grumm_Handout1

Document available: Grumm_Handout2

Document available: Grumm_Handout3

Document available: Grumm_Handout4

Even during these challenging times, low salaries are precluding many attorneys from taking or staying in public interest jobs. This session will provide new national salary data from the NALP 2008 Public Interest Salary Report, as well as other salary data about public interest lawyers and its effect on recruitment and retention. Specific steps for laying the groundwork and implementing salary increases will be presented, including the particular responsibilities of executive directors, boards of directors, and funders. Significant time for discussion will be available.

Race Equity, Racial Justice And Reconciliation: Essential Work For Equal Justice

Edgar Cahn, Time Banks USA, Washington, DC
Ramesh Kasarabada, Maryland Legal Aid Bureau, Baltimore, MD
Camille Holmes Wood, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC
Charles A. Wynder, Jr., National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC

Race Equity, Racial Justice & Reconciliation: Essential Work for Equal Justice Despite the real progress we have made in our country there is still a racial gap in economic opportunity that must be addressed if we are to move the nation's economy forward. Too many communities of color are disconnected from opportunity in structural ways that require proactive dismantling. Join in an interactive workshop on the ways for legal services and pro bono programs can engage in race equity and racial justice work.

Radical Collaboration For Racial Justice: An Update With NLADA And Shriver Center

Ilze Hirsh, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, Chicago, IL
Ramesh Kasarabada, Maryland Legal Aid Bureau, Baltimore, MD
Charles Wynder, Jr., National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC

It is in our nation's interest for everyone to have economic security and the meaningful opportunity. Despite real progress we've made, there is still a racial gap in economic opportunity that must be address if we're to move forward as a nation. NLADA and the Shriver Center for partnered to host Radical Collaboration for Racial Justice. The conference looked at ways we can support collaboration and advocacy to address structural racism. Share in an interactive dialogue about the lessons learned and the growing race equity and racial justice movement in legal services.

Recruiting, Retaining, And Serving Digital Natives

Molly French, Colorado Legal Services, Denver, CO
Joyce Raby, , Fort Collins, CO

Digital natives, those who grow up immersed in technology, relate to the world much differently than those who haven't. As digital natives become the core population programs interact with, changes will be needed to recruit and retain new advocates and volunteers as well as serve client communities.

Residential Mortgage Renegotiation

Richard R. Baker, Baker Law Offices, P.A., Winter Park, FL
Sharon E. Goldsmith, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc, Baltimore, MD

As the country works through all of the issues arising from the mortgage foreclosure crisis, volunteer lawyers may be called upon to renegotiate a residential mortgage for a distressed homeowner. This workshop is designed to orient the pro bono program manager on the challenges of the renegotiation or mediation process, volunteer training methods, and the steps that lead to a successful workout.

Roundtable On Conflict Waivers: Getting Waivers In A Time of Rising Foreclosures And Consumer Bankruptcies

Peter H. Carson, Bingham McCutchen LLP, San Francisco, CA
Marc R. Kadish, Mayer Brown LLP, Chicago, IL
William J. Woodward, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA

Many pro bono programs find that positional and actual conflicts between a law firm and a client severely impair the ability of the program to place a matter. This has become increasingly and painfully true with the jump in foreclosure, bankruptcy and other consumer-related cases. And compounding the problem are law firm mergers that reduce the number of conflict-free volunteers. Roundtable attendees will hear the first-hand experiences of those involved in seeking, granting or obtaining waivers to facilitate the provision of pro bono services.

Roundtable On Transactional Pro Bono Program Administration And Operations

Stanley W. Levy, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Los Angeles, CA
William J. Woodward, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA

This roundtable will be meaningful to not just to transactional pro bono program managers, but to other pro bono managers from programs, law firms and corporate law departments. Transactional pro bono program managers and staff will be invited to share their best practices, successes and challenges. Other pro bono managers will be invited to share their experiences creating signature projects and programs that range from local to nationwide.

Rural Pro Bono Roundtable

Kathryn Tucker, West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc., Jackson, TN
Steve Xanthopolous, West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc., Jackson, TN

Rural providers face unique challenges in developing and managing a pro bono program, from a scarcity of potential volunteers to a geographically dispersed client population. Addressing these challenges requires creativity and determination. Come to this session where attendees will share ideas, successes, brainstorms and more in an effort to provide pro bono legal services to clients. We guarantee there will not be any talking heads!

Self-Help: The Next Generation

Bonnie Hough, California Administrative Office of the Court, Center for Families, Children & the Courts, San Francisco, CA
Tina Rasnow, Ventura County Bar Association s Volunteer Lawyer Services Program, Ventura, CA

Five delivery models are discussed. Imperial County Superior Court partnered with a law school in Mexico for students to help the court self-help center. Justice Corps students assist to prepare pleadings before pro se litigants attend workshops. Lawyer for the Day programs use pro bono lawyers for pro se litigants for housing and consumer matters. Translated court orders and workshops orient people in Fresno and Butte Counties to comply with court orders in traffic and family law. A2J Author helps pro se litigants to draft demand letters prior to suing in small claims court.

Special Education: Helping Children With Special Needs Exercise Their Right To A Free, Appropriate Education

Jay E. Grenig, Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, WI
Chuck Williams, American Bar Association Division for Public Education, Chicago, IL

Document available: Williams_Handout1

Special needs children are among society's most vulnerable and underrepresented. By providing a clear overview of the major laws and policies governing the Special Education process, this interactive workshop will help participants help both parents and schools navigate the maze of statutes and administrative regulations that govern the rights of disabled children.

State Funding Roundtable: Best Practices For Working With Your State Legislature In Difficult Economic Times

Meredith McBurney, ABA Resource Center for ATJ Initiatives, Denver, CO

This roundtable, designed for legal services staff and volunteers who are involved in obtaining and increasing funding for civil legal services from the state legislature, is held each year at the Equal Justice Conference and NLADA. This time, we will focus on the challenges brought about by the current economic crisis as well as looking ahead to work as the economy improves.

State Supreme Courts As Leaders In Expanding Access To Justice

Hon. Jess Dickinson, Mississippi Supreme Court, Jackson, MS
Hon. James Duggan, New Hampshire Supreme Court, Concord, NH
Hon. Deborah Hankinson, ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants, Dallas, TX
Hon. Janice M. Holder, Supreme Court of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Hon. Juanita Bing Newton, New York State Unified Court System, New York, NY

Document available: Duggan_Outline

State Supreme Courts are emerging as powerful forces in expanding access to civil justice. In addition to the creation of Court-created Access to Justice commissions (considered in another session), efforts currently underway include Access to Justice campaigns, Supreme Court and/or regional hearings, pro bono recognition awards and recruitment campaigns, new rules and policies to promote pro bono service, initiatives to make courtrooms more friendly to self-represented litigants, and support for civil legal assistance funding. Panelists will describe initiatives in their states, discuss how their courts became involved, and provide tips on involving courts not currently engaged.

Statewide Websites: A Showcase Of Outstanding Client, Pro Bono And Advocate Features

Lisa Colpoys, Illinois Legal Aid Online, Chicago, IL
Michael Genz, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC
Vince Morris, Center for Arkansas Legal Services, Little Rock, AR
Ken Perri, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Geneva, NY
Glenn Rawdon, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC

Document available: Main Presentation

Document available: Colpoys Presentation

This session, designed for those not directly working on statewide websites, is designed to inspire interest in them as a tool that can be integrated with other program activities to further client community interests. Excellent examples of client, advocate and pro bono components will be discussed. Emphasis will be both on substantive coverage and on innovative delivery strategies.

Talking About Race Among People Of Color

Shakti Butler, PhD, World Trust, Oakland, CA
Miguel Cahn, Equal Justice Society, San Francisco, CA

The diversity of the nation is increasing and changing. The diverse Latino community is growing. The number of African and Caribbean immigrants is also increasing and our understanding of race & racial dynamics is changing. How does this impact our work with each other and in our communities? As leaders and advocates for equal justice we must have the will and capacity to engage issues of diversity power and difference. Inspired by conversations occurring in communities around the nation, this workshop is an interactive dialogue about talking about race among people of color.

Technology Enabled Self Help Centers

Carol Austin, Pro Bono Law Ontario, Toronto, ON
Michelle Hopkins, Los Angeles Superior Court, Self Help Center, Los Angeles, CA
Bonnie Hough, Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA
Claudia Johnson, Pro Bono Net, Livermore, CA

Document available: Johnson_Handout

In this workshop we will present actual cases of self help centers that are using document assembly, hotlines, and other web technology to court users that do not have attorneys. We will discuss how self help staff adjust their work flow and describe how the technology allows them to triage and support high quality/high volume demand.

The Challenges And Opportunities Of Public Interest Impact Litigation And Pro Bono

Nancy J. Anderson, Esquire, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington, DC
Scot Fishman, Dewey & LeBoerf, New York, NY
Marlene Halpern, The Legal Aid Society, New York, NY
Amos E. Hartston, Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, CA

Public interest impact/class action litigation partnerships present unique challenges: defining the law firm’s role; handling litigation costs; and addressing law firm expectations. Addressing these issues early will increase the number of matters referred to, and accepted by, pro bono counsel. This session will cover drafting co-counsel and client retainer agreements; staffing the legal team; articulating a clear decision making process; and addressing distribution of attorneys’ fees. Panelists will also discuss how the current economic conditions are affecting impact/class action pro bono from both the law firm and public interest group perspective.

The Evolution Of Transactional Pro Bono Partnerships

D'Ann Johnson, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin, TX
David Mandell, Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, Houston, TX
Judith A. O'Brien, Sutherland, Atlanta, GA
Rachel Epps Spears, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

Document available: OConnor_Handout1

Legal services providers, corporate law departments and law firms serving community-based nonprofit organizations and low-income micro-enterprenuers can have a lasting impact on an underserved community. Learn how the needs of a low-income community can be met through alliances forged by and between these participants. Learn how the volunteer relationship can evolve from one providing assistance on discrete matters to one in which transactional lawyer-volunteer serves nonprofits and others as corporate counsel. The result is a win for the community, the service provider, and the volunteer.

The Fundamentals Of Strategic Planning For Your Project Or Organization

Elizabeth Hom, Alameda County Bar Association, Oakland, CA
Cheryl Zalenski, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL

Not sure why you should make the time to develop a strategic plan? Uncertain what steps you should take in developing a strategic plan? This workshop is for you! Learn how a strategic plan can help you manage your project or organization and the process for developing a plan. Hear from a program engaged in strategic planning - why they did it, how they did it, and how their plan provides a guide for the program. Leave with a better understanding of how strategic planning can work for you!

The Future Is Here Now: What Emerging Technologies Can Do For Your Mission

Matthew Burnett, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY
Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net, San Francisco, CA
Joyce Raby, , Fort Collins, CO
Shirley Williams, Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Jackson, MS

Signs of the future are all around. Large and small programs alike are building their capacity to use emerging technology to serve diverse networks of advocates, volunteers and clients in new ways. This session will highlight real-world examples of well leveraged high-impact uses of technology and present the latest research on technology's continued evolution as a venue for social service delivery.

The Future of Fair Housing: A Report from the National Commission on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Sara K. Pratt, Private Consultant, Takoma Park, MD
Lisa Rice, National Fair Housing Alliance, Washington, DC
Philip Tegeler, Poverty & Race Research Action Council, Washington, DC

Document available: Tegler_Handout1

This panel presents the findings and recommendations of the National Commission on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, an independent commission convened by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the National Fair Housing Alliance, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. The panel will explore the structural barriers faced by people of color seeking to relocate from segregated areas to areas of opportunity, the need for reform of HUD s fair housing enforcement system, and the civil rights ramifications of government responses to the foreclosure crisis.

The Language Of Justice: Serving Deaf And Limited English Proficient Communities

Jean Bruggeman, Legal Interpreter Bank/AYUDA, Washington, DC

Document available: Bruggeman_Handout

Clear and effective communication is the very heart of quality lawyering. Communicating with Deaf, hard of hearing and Limited English Proficient clients requires comprehensive and thoughtful planning by both legal services providers and lawyers in private practice. This session will discuss how the legal community is working collaboratively to develop comprehensive long lasting solutions.

The New Vocabulary For Lawyer Public Interest Program Placements: Deferrals, Rifs, Secundments And More

The current economic environment has led to the displacement of public interest program staff and large law firm lawyers. This workshop will focus on potential partnerships that will enable private attorneys to "work" in public interest programs. Presenters will discuss the various models being utilized, the national resources available for publicizing and identifying placements, and the ongoing challenges being experienced by the law firm and public interest communities.

The Role Of Lawyers In Community-Based Wealth Building Strategies

Chris Brook, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Durham, NC
Dorcas R. Gilmore, Community Law Center, Inc., Baltimore, MD
Susan R. Jones, George Washington University Law School, Washington, DC
Diane M. Standaert, Center for Responsible Lending, Durham, NC

Document available: Standaert_Handout1

Document available: Standaert_Handout2

Document available: Standaert_Handout3

Lawyers’ means of engaging communities and models of service delivery can advance or undermine the racial and economic justice goals of the representation. This panel explores community lawyering models in the context of asset building and protection. We will present and discuss grassroots and policy examples of different lawyering models that have furthered economic justice and communities’ self-determination. Using brief case examples, this session will explore best practices for examining how different legal services models foster communities’ wealth-building efforts. The session will end with a discussion of the strengths and challenges of community lawyering.

The Times Are Tough: It's Time To Build Your Endowment

Dennis Dorgan, Resource Development for Legal Services, Circle Pines, MN
George Hausen, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC
Charlene Jones, Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, AL
Lillian M. Moy, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY, Albany, NY
Richard Woltmann, Bay Area Legal Services, Tampa, FL

Every legal aid program must take steps to insure that the tools for pursuing racial and economic justice will exist far into the future. One way to do this is by insuring there will be a secure financial base to support this important work. The session will address the issue of why it is critical to begin establishing an endowment now, in spite of hard economic times, and show how widely different programs have taken different, but effective, approaches to doing this.

Transactional Pro Bono In An Economic Downturn

Elizabeth M. Guggenheimer, Lawyers Alliance for New York, New York, NY
D'Ann Johnson, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin, TX
Nishit Patel, Legal Aid of Manasota, Sarasota, FL

Consider the impact of an economic downturn on a transactional pro bono program. Programs must ensure not only their own survival, but also must address the changing needs of an increasing number of nonprofit and micro-business clients, many of which are unsure of their own continued existence. Learn about the adjustments established programs are making in order to cope, as well as the new types of client matters that are cropping up.

Urgent Response Needed: Leveraging Pro Bono Resources In Times Of Natural And Man-Made Disasters

Bonnie Allen, Mississippi Center for Justice, Jackson, MS
Sheila Meehan, Florida Legal Services, Inc., Tallahassee, FL
Joy Phillips, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, MS

In the aftermath of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, the state bar, legal aid organizations and others in Florida and Mississippi organized urgent pro bono response teams to assist with direct services and policy advocacy. Key factors in recruiting volunteers for immediate assistance was strong bar leadership, creating a sense of urgency about the critical role of lawyers, adequate staffing of operations, technology, training, and capturing and publicizing client stories. These same factors hold true in recruiting lawyers to assist in the current foreclosure crisis. Learn about these common principles and their application to any disaster requiring immediate response and assistance. Panelists will also discuss how to sustain the interest of new volunteers to expand the state’s long-term pro bono base.

Using Limited Scope Representation To Provide Effective Consumer Assistance And Ease The Burdens On The Courts

This workshop will explore how limited scope representation has been successfully used to provide eviction and debtor relief by creating a partnership between the private bar and volunteer legal services programs. Tiela Chalmers will describe two debtor relief clinics, one for people who have not yet been sued, the other for those who have been sued for collection.

VAWA: The Intersection Of Immigration And Domestic Violence

Sabrina Salomon, Esq., Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Miami, FL

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows access to immigration relief to certain immigrants who are victims of domestic violence. The workshop will provide attendees with an overview of the VAWA self-petition process and U visas and will identify key considerations in working with immigrant victims of domestic violence.

Walk A Month In My Shoes: A Poverty Simulation

Tiela Chalmers, Volunteer Legal Services Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

In this thought-provoking workshop, attendees will participate in a simulation of the everyday challenges faced by low income clients in different family situations. The simulation demonstrates the hardships faced by low-income clients in different walks of life and how low income communities have distinctive cultures. Participants will role play a low income person for a month, with one goal: to get by. This workshop will provide a unique perspective on clients experiences that will benefit provider staff, volunteers, the judiciary, law schools, and others all are welcome to attend.

You Can Teach An Old (And Young) Dog New Tricks

Jill Becker, Illinois Legal Aid Online, Chicago, IL
Margaret Benson, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, Chicago, IL
Genie Gillespie, Cook County Adoption Law, Chicago, IL
Phillip Mohr, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, Chicago, IL

Through the use of interactive teaching methods, pro bono staff will learn skills with which to train volunteers to handle family law cases of different degrees of difficulty and levels of attorney involvement. Various learning models, such as technology training for simple, uncontested divorces; case models; and role playing focusing on communication and listening skills for contested family litigation, will be demonstrated.

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Workshop Archive 2009

EJC 2009 Materials