Plenary Addresses

Archived webcast of the Barbara Buckley Plenary Address

Archived webcast of the Friday Awards Luncheon Speeches including Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman

Archived webcast of the Closing Panel Discussion

Workshops 2011

50 Tech Tips 2011

David Bonebrake, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.
Liz Keith, LawHelp, San Francisco, CA.
Joyce Raby, JoyceRaby.com, Fort Collins, CO.
Glenn Rawdon, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.

Document Available: 50 Tech Tips Slides

Back again by popular demand! Please join us as members of the legal aid technology community present a Vegas-sized buffet of new tech tips sure to help advocates, managers, and techies alike! These short, rapid-fire tips will cover a broad range of topics, including websites, Microsoft Office, and Adobe. We promise you'll return home more tech-savvy, and have fun in the process.

A Collaborative Approach to Serving Low-Income LGBT Communities

Cathy Sakimura, The National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, CA.
Dan Torres, The National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, CA.
Amy Williams, Legal Services of Northern California's Health Rights Hotline, Sacramento, CA.

Document available: Torres_Outline

Learn about different approaches taken by non-profits, law firms and legal aid organizations to addressing the diverse needs of low-income LGBT communities. The session will address strategies that attorneys can take to develop cultural competencies and substantive legal expertise to address the particular needs of low-income LGBT people.

Access to Justice Commissions and State Supreme Courts: Partnerships with the Judiciary

Hon. James E. Duggan, New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission, Concord, NH.
Bob Echols, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives, Bailey Island, ME.
Hon. Daniel R. Foley, Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, Honolulu, HI.
Hon. Laurie Zelon, California Court of Appeal, Los Angeles, CA.

Addressing Equity in Discipline and Other Educational Policies Impacting Minorities and Students of Poverty.

Deborah Escobedo, Youth Law Center, San Francisco, CA.
Mary T. Hernandez, School Districts and GCR, LLP, Hayward, CA.
Jose R Padilla, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., San Francisco, CA.
Cynthia L. Rice, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., San Francisco, CA.

This panel will explore discipline, alternative school enrollment, identification and other placement issues affecting students of color, English Learners, migrant, juvenile justice and foster youth. Presenters will also discuss strategies available to challenge individual actions and policies that disparately impact these students.

An Open Forum on the National Celebration of Pro Bono

Sharon Browning, Just Listening, Philadelphia, PA.
Steven Scudder, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Chicago, IL.

If you have participated in the National Celebration of Pro Bono in the past, or want to in the future, come to this session to learn about the Celebration, what has worked in the past and to hear about plans for the 2011 Celebration. Past participants should come prepared with stories of their successess and challenges and tips to offer others.

Appealing for Justice: The Relationship Between Pro Bono Time and Charitable Contributions

Sheila Hubbard, Volunter Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association, Boston, MA.
Latonia Harvey Keith, McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Chicago, IL.
David A. Lash, O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Los Angeles, CA.
Hernn Vera, Public Counsel Law Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Al Wallis, Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest, Boston, MA.

The continued downturn in the economy means that legal aid providers are forced to do more with less. As a result, providers seek increased pro bono assistance from law firms and increased financial support from their law firm partners. This panel will explore the interplay between pro bono assistance and charitable contributions, including how law firms think about balancing the contribution of time and the contribution of money, and how organizations and law firms can act strategically to maximize both.

Bankruptcy Pro Bono Innovations and Challenges Around the Country

Kimberly Mucha Abbott, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.
Charles Evans, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Bruce Markell, District of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.

Participants will learn a viable model for pro se bankruptcy petition filing to their local bankruptcy courts for adoption. Presenters will offer talking points and strategies for convincing law firms and ethics panels that firm attorneys can overcome conflicts issues to do bankruptcy petitions for poor people. Attendees will gain tools for grappling with the tension between their volunteers needs and interests and the needs of their clients.

Board Development for More Diverse Communities

Greg Garcia, Polsinelli Shughart, PC, Phoenix, AZ.
Lillian Johnson, Community Legal Services, Phoenix, AZ.
Lillian Moy, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Albany, NY.
Patricia Pap, Management Information Exchange, Boston, MA.

Document available: Moy_Handout1

Document available: Moy_Handout2

Build a better board and you build a better legal aid program. This workshop invites executive directors, senior managers, and client and attorney board members to join a conversation about: mission, services and working closely with diverse client communities; leadership development and effective communication across differences of age, gender, race, class and practices; and, essential board responsibilities such as financial oversight and resource development.

Building Effective Partnerships with Law Schools by Knowing Which Experiential Learning Programs Will Work for You

Chancela Al-Mansour, Housing Rights Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Steve Grumm, NALP, Washington, DC.
Eden Harrington, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Austin, TX.
Kelly Tautges, Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL.

Document available: Grumm_Outline

Law students contribute to legal services providers through an array of experiential learning programs: clinicals, co-ops, externships, internships, pro bono, and more. Providers will get the most from law students, and give the most to them if they understand the differing dimensions to these programs, and what requirements may exist for a successful experience. In the long term, knowing these differences will win the trust of schools and keep and promote a steady flow of tomorrow's public interest lawyers who can serve your clients today.

Building Justice Networks Online: A Social Media Workshop

Kate Bladow, Independent Consultant, Baltimore, MD.
Matthew Burnett, Immigration Advocates Network, Probono.net, New York City, NY.
Joyce Raby, joyceraby.com, Fort Collins, CO.

Document available: Bladow_Handout1

Document available: Bladow_Handout2

Document available: Bladow_Outline

This session will explore how social media and networking tools are being used to support advocacy, community education/outreach, and volunteer recruitment/support. It will include an overview of social media tools, case studies, and recent research. Participants will work in small groups to develop social media strategies to address real-world challenges.

Caring for Ourselves so We Can Care for Our Clients: Stress Management, Mental Health and Addiction

Our clients, with expanded ranges of backgrounds in this economy, sometimes bring serious conditions and impairments. Were also at risk: for compassion fatigue, chronic stress, depression and destructive self medication. Can we balance caring for ourselves and our clients? Lawyer assistance program and other resources and strategies will be offered.

Centralized Intake - The Wave Of The Future?

Haydee Alfonso, Bay Area Legal Aid, Oakland, CA.
Tiela Chalmers, Volunteer Legal services Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.

Centralized intake can significantly improve access for those who have problems finding where to turn. Minority and disadvantaged communities struggle in particular with figuring out where to turn, and often have a hard time finding resources based in the majority community. Learn how programs are sharing intake, leading to greater efficiency and more effective service. Instead of calling around to different agencies, clients can make one call and get screened for multiple programs, and programs can save time and money. We'll cover practical and political barriers, and funding impact.

Challenges Confronting LGBTQ Youth and How Advocates Can Tackle Them

Garry Bevel, ABA Center on Children and the Law - Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care, Washington D.C., DC.
Ilene J. Jacobs, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Marysville, CA.
Dan Torres, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Stockton, CA.

Document available: Bevel_Outline

LGBTQ-identified youth are overrepresented in foster care and have higher rates of suicide, rejection, substance abuse, harassment and violence compared to their peers. This workshop provides tools to meet their unmet needs by identifying their legal rights, offering advocacy strategies, and highlighting the responsibility of judges and lawyers.

Combating the Exclusion and Expulsion of Low-Wealth and Minority Communities Through Litigation, Policy, and Market-Based Efforts

Reed Colfax, Relman, Dane & Colfax PLLC, Santa Fe, NM.
Ilene J. Jacobs, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Marysville, CA.
Ben Marsh, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.
John W. Van Alst, National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA.

Document available: Colfax_Outline

In cities, towns and counties across the country, low-wealth and minority communities are often seen as undesirable; their residents denied equal access to services, isolated from neighboring communities, or forced to leave. This session will look at such abuses, from discriminatory land use, to the unequal provision of municipal services to closures of manufactured home parks, and examine ways to prevent them and promote diverse and vibrant communities.

Community Economic Development in a Rural Setting: Attorneys and Community Groups Working Together

Rocky Cabagnot, NONE, Lake City, FL.
Donna MacRae, Three Rivers Legal Services, Lake City, FL.

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities experienced by legal services attorneys when working with rural community organizations to eliminate poverty. We will identify successful strategies including community lawyering, pro bono partnerships with private attorneys and other professionals, and community economic development.

Creating Attractive Pro Bono Opportunities for Today's Busy Lawyers

Gordon Shaw, Massachusetts Justice Project, Worcester, MA.
Barbara Siegel, Senior Partners for Justice, Boston, MA.
Maureen Thornton Syracuse, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program, Washington, DC.

To attract a broader range of volunteers, pro bono programs need to offer a smorgasbord of opportunities. Presenters will discuss small bite and other innovative pro bono opportunities that can meet the needs of clients, volunteers and pro bono organizations. These opportunities include limited assistance representation (unbundled) courthouse clinics, a project assisting the court in reviewing guardianship reports, and projects for senior lawyers ranging from major signature projects to opportunities suitable for individual senior lawyers with a wide variety of skill sets. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences with small bite and other non-traditional pro bono as well.

Creating Pro Bono Opportunities for In-House Corporate Attorneys

Michael G. Bergmann, Public Interest Law Initiative, Chicago, IL.
Andrea Fitanides, Volunteer Legal services Program, The Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Bruce Ives, Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA.
Esther Lardent, Pro Bono Institute, Washington, DC.

This session will explore best practices for developing pro bono opportunities that meet the needs of in-house counsel, which typically utilizes a transactional skill set, and provide examples of successful projects. Panelists will engage participants in a dialogue concerning opportunities for collaborations between legal service and pro bono programs, corporate legal departments and law firms.

Cy Pres: A Funding Source with Potential Even in Difficult Economic Times

Bob Glaves, Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago, IL.
Meredith McBurney, ABA Resource Center for ATJ Initiatives, Denver, CO.

Although many funding sources have been difficult to maintain or grow during this difficult economic period, we have continued to see increases in cy pres and other court awards, particularly in those states and programs that have mounted strong campaigns. Panelists from some of those successful efforts will talk about developing and implementing a cy pres strategy. We will also discuss the court rules and legislation that are helping to increase cy pres awards in a few states.

Dollars for Judgments: Securing Justice for Clients through Pro Bono Judgment Collection Partnerships

Tamara Serwer Caldas, The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Atlanta, GA.
Michael Lucas, The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Atlanta, GA.

Document available: Lucas_Outline

This session will present an innovative pro bono judgment collection project that provides pro bono collection representation to low-income clients who obtain judgments through economic justice programs which focus on unpaid wages, landlord-tenant disputes, and consumer debt collection issues. The presenters will discuss issues to be addressed and challenges to overcome in creating and managing similar programs in other jurisdictions. Participants will learn in detail how to establish a judgment collections project including the various procedures and materials needed to manage the program and to facilitate referrals.

Equal Justice in a Tough Economy: What Can We Learn From Civil Right to Counsel Pilots & Other Efforts?

Laura Abel, Brennan Center for Justice, New York City, NY.
Bonnie Hough, California Administrative Office of the Courts, San Francisco, CA.
John Pollock, Public Justice Center, Baltimore, MD.
Ken Smith, The Resource for Great Programs, Inc., Traverse City, MI.

Document available: Abel_Handout

Document available: Abel_Outline

The economic crisis has led equal justice leaders to explore how to close the justice gap with diminished resources. Some have engaged in litigation or legislation aimed at improving existing rights to counsel or carving out portions of new rights that have a lesser impact on strained public budgets. Others have focused on research or pilots that may demonstrate efficiencies and economic benefits from civil legal aid, building the case for greater legal aid funding or new rights to counsel. We will explore how audience members can engage in similar efforts or benefit from lessons learned.

Essential Training for Hotline Staff and Volunteers

David Godfrey, Commission on Law and Aging, American Bar Association, Washington, DC.
Cheryl Nolan, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.

Specialized training is essential for intake and hotline success and quality services. This program will share best practices for developing specialized training for hotline staff and volunteers, including ethics rules relating to intake and hotline delivery.

Exploring Alternative Models of Collaboration with the Private Bar

Jeanne Charn, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA.
Justice Fern Fisher, New York City Courts, New York City, NY.
Luz E. Herrera, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, CA.
Fred P. Rooney, City University of New York School of Law, Flushing, NY.
William T. Tanner, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Santa Ana, CA.

This program is specifically designed to engage pro bono legal services providers in a discussion about the role the private bar plays and can play in increasing access to legal services for low and moderate-income gap clients by encouraging the development of delivery models that expand eligibility requirements and utilize private lawyers in non-pro bono PAI.

Federal Funding Roundtable

Don Saunders, NLADA, Washington, DC.

This session will provide an opportunity for legal aid advocates to share information, ideas and experiences regarding obtaining and/or maintaining non-LSC federal funding. Discussion will focus on VAWA and Older Americans Act funding, issues with HUD, and much more. Come prepared to listen, learn and participate.

Helping Former Inmates Start Over: Pro Bono Reentry Projects

Michelle R. Bonner, Esq., Our Place DC, Washington, DC.
Samantha Howell, Albany County Bar Association, Albany, NY.
Eve Biskind Klothen, Rutgers-Camden School of Law, Camden, NJ.
Melanie Kushnir, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.

Inmates released from prison face significant barriers to successful reintegration back into society. Many of these hurdles are legal in nature, including lack of identification, child support obligations, housing, domestic violence, parole and revocation issues. Come to this workshop to discover innovative ways in which the courts, law schools, legal and community service providers are collaborating to help former prisoners return to their communities and live successful lives.

Helping Self-Represented Litigants in the Federal Courts: Pro Bono Opportunities and Innovative Partnerships

Janine Liebert, LA Law Library, Los Angeles, CA.
Mairi McKeever, Volunteer Legal Services Program, San Francisco, CA.
Michael Meyer, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, IL.
Suzanne H. Segal, Central District of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Hernn Vera, Public Counsel Law Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Richard Zorza, Self Represented Litigant Network, Washington DC, DC.

Document available: Liebert_Handout

Document available: Liebert_Outline

Learn how courts, law firms, bar associations and legal aid providers collaborate to improve access to legal services for federal self-represented litigants. Pro bono legal service programs, limited scope representation, self-help centers and other strategies play a role in serving federal self-represented litigants. This program will describe successful models including examples from California and Illinois, along with best practices for replication to address the growing numbers of self-represented litigants in the federal courts.

Holistic Advocacy: Maximizing Client Benefit through Legal and Social Service Partnerships

Julie Rosenthal, Volunteer Legal Services, San Francisco, CA.
Dominique Sanz-David, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Los Angeles, CA.

While access to justice is an important goal, it is crucial to make sure that the access we are proving to clients is actually achieving the results we want. One proven way to ensure better results is to focus on helping clients access legal help and other services that will create change in their lives. This workshop will discuss techniques for developing a client-centered focus in your program, including how to partner with other agencies in your community and how to engage in holistic advocacy on your clients' behalf.

Homeward Bound: Proven Programs to Help the Homeless, (Particularly Homeless Veterans)

David Ackerly, Esq., , Los Angeles, CA.
David Godfrey, Esq., American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, Washington, DC.
Michael Taub, Esq., Homeless Advocacy Project, Philadelphia, PA.

Document available: Ackerly_Outline

In a question and answer talk show format, this session will explore current trends in preventing and ending homelessness with a focus on veterans. The panelists will talk about proven programs and service delivery models.

Hot Topics in Legal Aid

Ann Carmichael, American Bar Association, Washington, DC.
Jim Sandman, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.
Don Saunders, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Washington, DC.
Bob Stein, American Bar 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 2011; 3) Reauthorization of Violence Against WomenAct and Older Americans Act; 4) Developments affecting IOLTA; 5) Status of transition of new LSC board and other LSC developments; 6) the status of loan repayment assistance initiatives; 7) pro bono initiatives and 8) other matters of interest to the civil legal aid community.

Hotlines and Outcomes Studies: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

David Godfrey, ABA Commission on Law and Aging, Washington, DC.
Jennifer Goldberg, Legal Aid Bureau, Riverdale, MD.
Martin Ostensen, Legal Aid Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Paula Pierce, Texas Legal Services Center, Austin, TX.

Document available: Godfrey_Outline

Outcome studies paint the picture of how legal assistance changes the lives of low income clients. The session will explore models for collecting and analyzing outcomes, lessons learned and best practices.

Identifying Unmet Legal Need Through Community-Based Organizations

Suzanne Harrington-Steppen, Roger Williams School of Law, Bristol, RI.
Eliza Vorenberg, Roger Williams School of Law, Bristol, RI.

This session will focus on methods the Pro Bono Collaborative at Roger Williams University School of Law has developed to identify and address the legal needs of constituents served by community based organizations. Presenters will discuss how the project surveys legal needs and develops pro bono projects that respond to those needs.

Improving Court Access for Persons With Mental Health Disabilities

Elizabeth McGrail, CAIR Coalition, Washington, GA.
Tina Rasnow, Ventura County Bar Association VLSP, Ventura, CA.

Document available: McGrail_Outline

Litigants with mental illness face unique obstacles in accessing justice, yet their illness often results in greater engagement with courts, including family, probate, civil, and criminal calendars. Pro bono representation of those with mental illness can be improved and increased through innovative partnerships and effective communication skills discussed in this program.

Innovations in Service Delivery through Medical-Legal Partnership: Utility Service Protection and SSI Qualification

Samantha Morton, Medical-Legal Partnership | Boston, Boston, MA.
Bonnie Roswig, Medical-Legal Partnership Project Center for Children s Advocacy, Hartford, CT.
Kelly Scott-Flood, ABA Medical-Legal Partnerships Pro Bono Support Project, Chicago, IL.
Pamela Tames, National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, Boston, MA.

Document available: Morton_Outline

Through targeted needs assessments, training and tools development, medical-legal partnerships develop preventive advocacy capacity in medical and pro bono legal partners to identify and address proactively patients' basic needs and to avoid unnecessary and burdensome legal and social crises for vulnerable populations. This session will discuss how tested advocacy models in medical-legal partnership leverage the clinical role in supplying medical evidence to support client claims.

Innovative and Holistic Legal Services and Pro Bono Initiatives to Help Veterans

Antonia Fasanelli, Homeless Persons Representation Project, Baltimore, MD.
Paul Freese, Homeless Veterans Justice Initiative, Los Angeles, CA.
Sara Sommarstrom, Minnesota Justice Foundation, Minneapolis, MN.
Nancy Wheeler, Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement, Los Angeles, CA.
Stacy Garrick Zimmerman, Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement, Los Angeles, CA.

Document available: Fasanelli_Handout

Document available: Fasanelli_Outline

This session will examine emerging legal services initiatives that are enabling veterans to return to the workforce and avoid homelessness and other poor outcomes that they suffer when returning from war. The session will highlight models that assist veterans holistically with the diverse array of challenges they confront upon returning home : and programs that utilize pro bono volunteers to help veterans in myriad ways such as accessing benefits, modifying child support obligations, and eliminating legal barriers to reentering the workforce. The unique issues related to female veterans will be discussed and presenters will demonstrate special interviewing techniques.

Innovative AoA-funded Legal Assistance and Resource Centers for Meeting Senior Legal Needs

David Godfrey, ABA Commission on Law and Aging, Washington, DC.
Penny Hommel, The Center for Social Gerontology, Ann Arbor, MI.
Jaye Martin, Legal Services for the Elderly, Augusta, ME.
Valerie Soroka, Administration on Aging - Office of Elder Rights, Washington, DC.
Omar Valverde, Administration on Aging - Office of Elder Rights, Washington, DC.

Document available: Godfrey_Outline

This session will describe how the Administration on Aging's Model Approaches demonstration projects and the National Legal Resource Center (NLRC) are working to promote comprehensive, well integrated, high-impact and cost effective legal service delivery systems that target scarce resources to seniors most in need of service on priority legal issues. Participants will hear lessons learned from Model Approaches projects and how the National Legal Resource Center's extensive resources and services provide support to efforts to improve legal service delivery for at risk seniors.

Innovative Approaches to Serving Teen Survivors and Young People at Risk for Intimate Partner Violence

Stephanie Nilva, Day One, New York, NY.
Erin Scott, Family Violence Law Center, Oakland, CA.

This workshop will provide an overview of teen dating abuse, available legal remedies, and current policy work being done to support young people at risk. The session will include interactive elements, including an issue-spotting exercise. Participants will learn about multidisciplinary teen dating abuse programs and develop skills for communicating and supporting young survivors.

Integrating Legal, Social and Financial Services to Prevent Housing Instability

Javier Beltran, Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Alisa Neary, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Lane Nussbaum, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.

The sudden economic downturn requires a unique, coordinated and responsive approach to prevent homelessness. Presenters will showcase how programs can work together to utilize the Homeless Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing Program to provide a holistic approach to homelessness prevention. Through this approach tenants receive temporary rental assistance to resolve housing instability, legal representation/negotiation to prevent evictions and social services to address the underlying issues contributing to financial instability.

International Perspectives on Legal Services Delivery

Bruce Doyle, Doyle Keyworth Harris, Brisbane, Non-USA.
Craig. W. J. Goebel, Legal Services Society of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Gillian Marriott, Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary, AB.
Elizabeth Shearer, Managing Justice, Brisbane, Non-USA.
Winifred Walakira, Centre for Human Rights Empowerment and Development, Kampala, Non-USA.

Document available: Doyle_Outline

This session will focus on legal services delivery in three countries, highlighting examples of innovative programs; services targeting hard-to-reach communities and collaborations between / among organizations. Topics will include building community capacity; advocacy on issues that drive the needs of disadvantaged people for legal services and securing funding for their delivery.

Involving Small & Midsize Firms In Pro Bono

Kimberly Mucha Abbott, Esq., Legal Aid Center of Nevada, las Vegas, NV.
Angele Court, Vermont Volunteer Lawyers Project, Burlington, VT.
Cam Ferenbach, Lionel Sawyer & Collins, Las Vegas, NV.
Melanie Kushnir, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.

Document available: Abbott_Outline

Do you think your firm is too small to have a pro bono program? Do the firms in your program s service area have too few attorneys to make a meaningful pro bono commitment? Think again! Join in an interactive discussion about creating and sustaining pro bono initiatives within smaller firms.

Issues and Innovations In Pro Bono Family Law

Arlene Beckerman, Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center, Fairfax, VA.
Helenka Marculewicz, Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project, Dayton, OH.
Phillip J. Mohr, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Chicago, IL.
Elizabeth Porcelli, Community Law Program, St. Petersburg, FL.

The area of greatest need for most pro bono programs continues to be family law. Family law is also one of the most difficult areas for which to recruit volunteer attorneys. This panel will discuss tried and true methods, some innovations, and will elicit additional ideas from the audience.

Justice for All, Including Us: Creating Just and Balanced Work Environments

Sharon Browning, Just Listening Project, Philadelphia, PA.
Cathy Car, Community Legal Services, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Genie Miller Gillespie, Center for Law and Social Work, Chicago, IL.
Melissa Tyner, Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Document available: Browning_Handout1

Document available: Browning_Handout2

Document available: Browning_Outline

This workshop will explore the interdependent relationship between our work for justice and the environments in which we pursue that goal. Can we effectively advocate for justice if we do not ensure just, fair, and equitable conditions for those who work in our own programs? Topics covered include compassion fatigue, heavy caseloads, and personal/professional time- management tensions, diversity, and compensation issues. Come learn how to stay energized for the essential work for justice.

Knowing What Counts: From Data to Decision Making

Christopher Barrington, Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Santa Ana, CA.
Maria Livingston, Esq., Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Orange, CA.
Eric Mittelstadt, Utah Legal Services, Salt Lake City, UT.
Patricia Pap, Management Information Exchange, Boston, MA.
Salvador Reynoso, Esq., Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Orange, CA.

Document available: Barrington_Outline

Want to know more about how to make resource allocation decisions? Want to know how to use common CMS data to more effectively supervise staff to improve client services? Want to learn to think outside the box about data collection tools? This session will help you determine 1) what data you need to collect, 2) how to find it and collect it, and 3) then how to make decisions based on that data. While this process may sound daunting, turning data into information you can use to make good decisions doesnt have to be as hard as you imagine. Come join us for an honest look at how you can improve the management decisions you make every day.

Language Access Advocacy 101: Language Assistance, Public Benefits, and Housing Rights

Laura Abel, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, New York, NY.
Silvia Argueta, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Navneet Grewal, National Housing Law Project, San Francisco, CA.
Phong Wong, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.

Document available: Argueta_Handout

Document available: Argueta_Outline

Many limited-English proficient (LEP) families and individuals have difficulties accessing critical government funded programs, courts and public benefits, including TANF, food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, and housing. Federal and state laws and federal guidelines require federal and state funded recipients to provide appropriate language assistance services to LEP clients. This session will explain the requirements, provide examples of model language services policies and procedures, and describe advocacy methods to enforce requirements to ensure meaningful access for LEP clients.

Language Access for Limited English Proficient Self-Represented Litigants

Monica Buckley, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), Toledo, OH.
Jesus R. Salas, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), Toledo, OH.

Demographic changes across the country include a rise in non-English speakers impacting the delivery of legal services to presently under and/or unrepresented non-English speaking populations. These populations face problems communicating with their lawyer and/or the court system. You will learn how to implement a quality translation program, how various programs across the country are finding solutions for their programs and discuss how to improve present systems.

Law Firm Associate Externs: Best Practices to Institutionalize the Externship Model

Nancy Anderson, The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, Washington, DC.
Saralyn Cohen, Shearman & Sterling, New York, NY.
Marlene Halpern, The Legal Aid Society, New York, NY.
Edwina Frances Martin, Legal Services NYC, New York, NY.
Mary Gay Scanlon, Ballard Spahr, Philadelphia, PA.

Document available: Anderson_Outline

In 2009 we entered uncharted waters with the placement of hundreds of deferred law firm graduates and associates in public interest legal programs. After six months to a year of serving as public interest lawyers, the majority of these new attorneys have returned to their firms. This workshop will assess the impact of this pro bono model, including benefits for public interest programs, law firms and attorney professional development. Panelists will also share "best practice" recommendations for leveraging these unique experiences to enhance law firm pro bono projects.

Law Firm Collaborations to Develop Advocacy Resources: Nuts and Bolts of Successful Models

Candace Chen, Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow at OneJustice, San Francisco, CA.
Amanda Green Alexander, Alexander & Watson, Jackson, MS.
Carrie Grimm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, New York, NY.
Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net, San Francisco, CA.

Document available: Keith Outline

Document available: Keith_Handout1

Law firms can play a key role in developing advocacy resources to benefit staff and volunteers. This session will explore several successful models, how they were developed, and what makes them work, including collaborations on online pro bono practice resources and a medical-legal partnership to develop non-legal advocacy resources.

Lawyers as Non-Profit Directors: Limitations and Expectations

William C. Choi, Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP, Los Angeles, CA.
Eve M. Coddon, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, Los Angeles, CA.
Douglas L. Hendricks, Morrison & Foerster LLP, San Francisco, CA.
Leah Medway, Perkins Coie, Seattle, WA.

Lawyers are frequently invited to join the boards of not-for-profit organizations, often with the expectation that they will bring their legal expertise to the table. But ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest can arise when a director or the director's law firm provides legal advice to the board or to the organization. This panel will explore these issues in order to provide a better understanding of how not-for-profits can best manage their boards and legal service needs, and how lawyers can handle the limitations and expectations of board service.

Leveraging Law Student Resources to Help Fill the Justice Gap

Julie Mercer-Ingram, OneJustice, San Francisco, CA.
Karen Millard, Florida coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, FL.
Leeor Neta, Golden gate university School of Law, San Francisco, CA.
Doan Trang T. Nguyen, OneJustice, San Francisco, CA.
Kathy Para, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Jacksonville, FL.

Document available: Neta_Outline

Law student pro bono work provides a wealth of resources to help fill the justice gap. Panelists from law schools, legal service and pro bono programs will discuss innovative urban and rural volunteer models as well as how to use technology like blogs, social media and surveys to expand pro bono involvement. Then join the panelists in a discussion that explores tools to leverage law student resources and expands pro bono programs in new and creative ways.

Lights, Camera, Action . . . : A Journey to In-House Cultural Sensitivity Training

Ernest Brown, J.D., Lone Star Legal Aid, Texarkana, TX.
Linda Good, J.D, Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston, TX.
Vinh Ho, J.D., M.B.A., BPSOS, Inc. ("Boat People SOS"), Houston, TX.
Patty Rangel, J.D., Lone Star Legal Aid, Bryan, TX.

This workshop will engage participants in an honest conversation about the diversity within our law groups. This workshop will be a combination of role plays, activities, and discussions developed as a means to begin the conversation about race, generational differences, and cultural competencies. It will also offer some suggestions of techniques that can be used in various law offices.

Medical-Legal Partnership and Pro Bono: Law Firm & Corporate Counsel Signature Projects

Lori Chumbler, Walmart, Bentonville, AR.
Brita Horvath, Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis, IN.
Samantha Morton, Medical-Legal Partnership | Boston, Boston, MA.
Anna Obergfell, Wishard Health Services, Indianapolis, IN.
Kelly Scott-Flood, ABA Medical-Legal Partnerships Pro Bono Support Project, Chicago, IL.

Document available: Chumbler_Outline

The medical-legal partnership pro bono community continues to create innovative projects to provide free legal services to vulnerable populations in the health care setting. MLP pro bono projects have been designed to meet the specific needs of individual patients and communities involving systemic advocacy, MLP network coordination, technical assistance and specialized legal clinics. This workshop will discuss the development of specialized MLP pro bono projects and highlight a few unique law firm and corporate law department pro bono projects.

MIE Roundtable for Legal Services Executive Directors and Managers

This forum provides legal services 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 MIE Board of Directors.

New Strategies for Improving Online Learning

Matthew Burnett, Immigration Advocates Network, Probono.net, New York City, NY.
Jan Chiaretto, Statewide Legal Services, Middletown, CT.
Jeff Hogue, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Geneva, NY.
Tony Lu, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY.
Eric Mittelstadt, Utah Legal Services, Salt Lake City, UT.

This workshop will look at the ways our community is using technology to deliver substantive and professional training to legal advocates and pro bono attorneys. Panelists will explore different technology delivery models and how programs are tying those to existing systems. Projects will include online learning modules, multimedia webinar series, online collaborative spaces, among others.

Older & Wiser: Free Legal Seminars for Seniors, their Families and Caregivers

Thomas Dempsey, Jr., Esq., Dempsey Law, Pittsburgh, PA.
Julie Jarbeck, Office of Rep. Dan Deasy, Pittsburgh, PA.
Joseph M. Olimpi, Esq., Neighborhood Legal Services Association, Bridgewater, PA.
Rhodia Thomas, Esq., MidPenn Legal Services, Harrisburg, PA.

Older & Wiser is a collaborative three-party partnership that leverages the resources of a legal services program, the local bar and state legislators. Through this collaboration, volunteer attorneys provide valuable legal information to seniors, their care givers and families. Come to this session to hear about the benefits of this model for all partners involved and how a similar project can be developed in your jurisdiction.

Effective Lawyering Using Technology: Online-Approaches to Legal Forms

Susan Ledray, 4th Judicial District Court, Minneapolis, MN.
Allison McDermott, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY.
Monica Mitchell, Superior Court of San Bernadino County, Child Support District, San Bernadino, CA.
Dina C. Nikitaides, Center for Access to Justice & Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL.

We will discuss online forms and how they are transforming the practice of public interest law and legal education. We will also share how self-help centers are using the forms to provide greater access to people without attorneys and look at various models showing how the self-help centers integrate the online forms in their day to day practice.

Online Intake: What To Account For And Key Take-aways

David Bonebrake, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.
Cheryl Nolan, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.
M. Megan Smith, Legal Services Corporation, Washington, DC.

Document Available: Nolan_Presentation

Online intake is becoming an area of great interest for legal services programs seeking to improve access. This session will explore what needs to be accounted for in effective implementation and lessons learned by pioneers in this field. Other key take-aways include an understanding of budget factors, resource development, technologies and LSC compliance.

Partnerships for State Appellate Pro Bono Programs

Colleen Ball, State Public Defender's Office Appellate Division, Milwaukee, WI.
Cynthia Feathers, New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Appeals Program, Albany, NY.
Monica Fennell, Indiana Pro Bono Commission, Indianapolis, IN.
Gina Maestas, New Mexico Court of Appeals, Santa Fe, NM.
Laurie Zelon, SECOND DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL, Los Angeles, CA.

Document available: Ball_Handout1

Document available: Ball_Handout2

Document available: Ball_Outline

Appellate matters can be technical and complicated for self-represented litigants. Recently, state appellate pro bono programs have sprung up to address that problem. This session will examine how these programs arose from strong collaboration between the judiciary, private bar, state bar associations, and public interest organizations, and address how to create one in your state. The pro bono appellate programs to be discussed range from providing extensive materials to pro se litigants to initiatives providing appellate counsel to low-income litigants in selected appeals.

Post Conviction Relief and Immigration Proceedings: Padilla v. Kentucky and Other Relevant Post Conviction Remedies for Noncitizens

Document available: Dill_Handout

Document available: Dill_Outline

This panel will review major forms of post-conviction relief, and the impact of remedies such as pardons, vacated judgments, and re-opened adjudications on immigration proceedings. The discussion will emphasize how attorneys have pursued relief under the Supreme Court Decision Padilla v. Kentucky, and highlight pro bono opportunities for attorneys.

Pro Bono 2.0: Pro Bono Partnerships Enabled by Technology

Matthew Burnett, Immigration Advocates Network, Probono.net, New York, NY.
Hannah Silk Kapasi, Texas Access to Justice Commission, Austin, TX.
Colton Lawrence, Texas Legal Services Center, Austin, TX.
Tony Lu, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY.

Technology has enabled communication and collaboration in previously unimaginable ways, and has paved the way for greater pro bono participation. This session will show how pro bono programs are using technology to encourage law students and attorneys to engage in pro bono work, often in non-traditional ways.

Pro Bono Abroad: Current Developments and Next Steps

Saralyn Cohen, Shearman & Sterling, New York, NY.
Gregory McConnell, Winston & Strawn, Chicago, IL.
Edwin Rekosh, PILnet, New York, NT.
Suzanne Turner, Dechert, Washington, DC.

There is a growing interest among global law firms in expanding pro bono programs to include participation by the lawyers in their overseas offices. This panel will explore recent trends and efforts to institutionalize pro bono outside of the United States, challenges that U.S.-based law firms face in creating a global pro bono practice, and best practices and next steps for creating and increasing pro bono participation globally.

Pro Bono Practice Groups: A New Way to Leverage Firm Relationships and Expertise

Frank P. Cervone, Support Center for Child Advocates, Philadelphia, PA.
Barbara K. Kagan, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Washington, DC.
Angela C. Vigil, Baker & McKenzie LLP, Miami, FL.

Pro bono practice groups are on the rise both at law firms and in corporate legal departments. These groups promote attorney recruitment, enhance training and support efforts and build expertise. Attendees will learn how to harness these benefits by creating and managing practice groups addressing poverty law issues, whether structured as a multi-city, multi-firm, or in-house corporate legal department. Panelists will highlight examples of poverty-focused practice groups, such as child advocacy, immigration, and Rule of Law.

Protecting the Rights of Tenants in Foreclosed Properties

Geraldine Doetzer, National Housing Law Project, San Francisco, CA.
David Olshan, Nevada Legal Services, Las Vegas, NV.
Kent Qian, National Housing Law Project, San Francisco, CA.

Document available: Doetzer_Outline

This session will educate participants and encourage discussion about the rights of tenants in properties facing foreclosure, emphasizing the new federal "Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act" (PTFA), including the reforms included in Dodd-Frank Act. Panelists will discuss PTFA's protections, its interplay with state laws, and how both can help them assist tenants facing eviction due to foreclosure.

Public Interest Impact Litigation: Improving Law Firm and Public Interest Partnerships

Nancy Anderson, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington, DC.
Marnie Berk, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, New York, NY.
Marlene Halpern, The Legal Aid Society, New York, NY.
Debbie Segal, Kilpatrick Stockton, Atlanta, GA.
Suzanne E. Turner, Dechert LLP, Washington, DC.

During these difficult economic times, public interest and pro bono law firm partnerships on impact/class action litigation creates unique challenges: defining the law firm's role, handling litigation costs, and addressing staff resources and law firm expectations. 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.

Public Interest Impact/Large Scale Litigation and Transactional Programs – Working with Firms in Today's World

Public interest legal organizations with impact or large scale litigation and/or transactional work face unique challenges, particularly in challenging economic times, when utilizing pro bono resources of law firms. The purpose of the pre-conference is to have an open discussion on these challenges among peers. Topics will include best practices, co-counseling , staffing, and working with other involved parties.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: A Wonderful Program, but Not a Panacea

Kelly Carmody, Carmody and Associates, Phoenix, AZ.
Heather Jarvis, Student Loan Ranger, Wilmington, NC.
Don Saunders, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Washington, DC.

Learn how attorneys can use new federal public service loan forgiveness and assistance programs to make their debt more affordable and eliminate it sooner. Also learn why it is critical that employers, law schools and statewide LRAPs be continued and develop new ways to fill in the gaps from the federal programs. The session will include a discussion of orientation materials that employers can provide to new employees to ensure they take advantage of federal loan programs.

Resources for the Rural Office

Virginia A. Martin, New Hampshire Bar Association, Concord, NH.
Michael L. Monahan, State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project, Atlanta, GA.
Tina Roach, Community Legal Services, Prescott, AZ.
Linda Warren Seely, Memphis Area Legal Services, Memphis, TN.

The challenges of rural pro bono delivery are many, including geographically isolated and dispersed populations to the dearth of attorneys. Panelists from resource-strapped pro bono programs will share creative solutions that have worked for them and solicit additional experiences from the audience. Come prepared to explore ideas for building local partnerships, reallocating resources, and utilizing cutting-edge technology and low-tech options to expand volunteer attorney participation and rural access.

Securing Highly Competitive Grant Funds Through Collaborative Efforts and Effective Marketing

Madelynn Herman, Supreme Court of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Don Reinhart, University of Phoenix - Sourthern Arizona & Online Campus, Tucson, AZ.

Document available: Herman_Outline

Document available: Herman_Handout1

Document available: Herman_Handout2

Document available: Herman_Handout3

Document available: Herman_Handout4

Document available: Herman_Handout5

This workshop will focus on funding trends, as well as specific marketing tools to promote success in furthering equal justice projects for diverse client communities. Participants will learn how to tap into foundation sources for funding, involve key project stakeholders early in the funding process, and identify the essential elements a marketing strategy that will enhance both internal and external support for their collaborative efforts.

Service, Volunteerism and Legal Services: Bridging the Justice Gap with AmeriCorps

Benjamin Long, Apalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Richmond, KY.
Anna-Elisa Mackowiak, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Atlanta, GA.
Cole McMahon, Equal Justice Works, Washington, DC.
Munmeeth Soni, Public Law Center, Santa Ana, CA.

Document available: Long_Outline

In tough times, AmeriCorps is a great mechanism to expand capacity. If you have looked into AmeriCorps in the past, you may be surprised by new funding opportunities and new rules. Equal Justice Works can provide information on AmeriCorps Programs as an option to increase staff capacity for existing or new projects. Participants will explore funding opportunities at the state and national levels, and brainstorm potential projects with current AmeriCorps Legal Fellows.

State Funding Roundtable: Lessons from the 2011 Legislative Sessions

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

We've had two years of turmoil, and there will likely be two more, as legislatures seek ways to balance budgets. We will discuss the latest threats and strategize about solutions. This roundtable, designed for staff and volunteers who raise state legislative funds, is held each year at NLADA and EJC.

Supervisory & Leadership Skills in Pro Bono and Legal Services Organizations

Sandra L. Johnson, NITA, Raleigh, NC.
Patricia M. Lucas, Superior Court for Santa Clara County, San Jose, CA.

Whether it's reviewing written work, evaluating performances or making sure assignments are conveyed correctly to and understood by staff, the leadership skills within a legal services office are of utmost importance. This interactive session presents a model for feedback and mentoring helpful to everyone in a legal services or pro bono organization, from the executive director to entry level staff. Discussion of training concerns in your organization will enhance the relevancy of this session.

The Continuum of Services for Access: Tools for Deployment

Bonnie Rose Hough, California Administrative Office of the Court s (AOC) Center for Families, Children & the Courts, San Francisco, CA.
Richard Zorza, Self Represented Litigant Network, Washington D.C., DC.

Document Available: Hough_Outline

This session will discuss the concept of the "Continuum of Services," including the roles of courts, pro bono and legal aid. Access to justice is best provided by designing and implementing a broad variety of services ranging from traditional lawyering to online tools and information, with other services such as discrete task representation in the middle. This requires having an intake and triage system, assignment protocols, research to validate protocols, referral mechanisms, data collection, follow up, and a wide range of carefully tailored services.

The Demise of the Digital Divide: Low-Income Communities, the Internet and Legal Help.

Edward C Higgins, Montana Legal Services Association, Missoula, MT.
Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY.
Leah Margulies, LawHelp.org/NY, New York, NY.
Alison Paul, Montana Legal Services Association, Helena, MT.

Low-income communities are increasingly using the internet to access legal resources. By creating a strong virtual presence and implementing a variety of online tools, programs can expand service delivery, increase access to legal information, and provide other avenues for outreach and advocacy regardless of physical location.

The Policies and Politics of Limited Scope Representation

Tamara Serwer Caldas, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Atlanta, GA.
Will Hornsby, American Bar Association, Chicago, IL.
Judy Meadows, Montana Supreme Court, Helena, MT.
M. Sue Talia, M. Sue Talia, Danville, CA.

States have taken different approaches to the policies of limited scope representation (LSR). Navigating the policies and politics of LSR is more art than science. This program looks at the status of policies among the states, discusses the process of changing rules to facilitate LSR and examines how to meet legal needs in those states where the rules have not and are not likely to change. Those attending are invited to share their experiences.

The Scope of Limited Scope Representation: Case Studies from Law Schools, Courts, Legal Aid and Non-profits

Hon. Fern Fisher, New York City Courts, New York, NY.
Carolyn Gold, Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Marjorie Murray, Center for California Homeowner Association Law, Oakland, CA.

Limited Scope Representation is being adopted and adapted by interested stakeholders in an effort to expand access to legal services. The histories, successes and challenges of providing LSR in a variety of settings are explored in this workshop. Discussions will look at the roles of leadership, obtaining institutional buy-in and demonstrating the value of LSR in law schools, courts, legal aid office and non-profit organizations.

Time for a Change: Revising the ABA Pro Bono Program Standards

Sharon Goldsmith, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Baltimore, MA.
Steven Scudder, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Chicago, IL.

The ABA adopted the Standards for Programs Providing Civil Pro Bono Legal Services to Persons of Limited Means in 1996. In the intervening fifteen years pro bono legal services programs have grown more diverse and sophisticated and new legal services delivery tools and strategies have been developed. Come hear about the ABA Pro Bono Committee's plans to revise the Pro Bono Standards. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences, good and bad, with the Standards.

Using Technology to Improve Compliance Outcomes for Limited English Proficient Litigants

Allison McDermott, Pro Bono Net, New York, NY.
Tina Rasnow, Ventura County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Services Program (VLSP), Ventura, CA.

Document available: Rasnow_Outline

Limited English Proficient (LEP) self-represented litigants (SRL's) face unique challenges in complying with court orders. Learn how an innovative pilot project in Texas and California seeks to improve compliance by providing culturally and linguistically relevant translated court orders in family law matters.

Using Technology to Support Pro Bono Volunteers

William Jones, ABA Center for Pro Bono, Chicago, IL.
Michael Monahan, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA.

Document Available: Monahan_Materials1

Document Available: Monahan_Materials2

Document Available: Jones_Materials1

Technology helps a program leverage its resources and reach out to its volunteers. The organization is able to provide content and connectivity from its basic office software and other technology tools, like case management/document management systems, through robust external web-based resources at the state level and omnipresent free social media. Recruiting, retaining and recognizing pro bono volunteers is more effective and this makes achieving the goals of the organization easier. This presentation begins with a general overview of current practices of pro bono organizations in the United States and then places a specific focus on the State of Georgia's innovative technology strategies in support of pro bono

Using the Legal Hotline Service Delivery Model to Meet Changing Community Needs

David Mandel, Senior Legal Hotline, Legal Services of Northern California, Sacramento, CA.
Keith Morris, Elder Law of Michigan, Lansing, MI.
Paula Pierce, Texas Legal Services Center, Austin, TX.

Document available: Mandel_Outline

Community legal needs are affected by many factors; those who can least afford it are often the most negatively affected by changing conditions. This presentation will discuss the unique suitability of legal hotlines to provide innovative collaborative programs to meet changing needs of diverse communities quickly and cost effectively.

Utilizing Pro Bono Efforts to Help Homeless Children and Youth Succeed in Life

Karen Cunningham, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, Washington, DC.
Cheryl Kleiman, Center for Children & Youth Justice, Seattle, WA.
Erin Shea McCann, Columbia Legal Services, Seattle, WA.

Document available: Cunningham_Outline

The number of youth experiencing homelessness continues to rise across the country. This session will discuss innovative pro bono approaches to helping homeless students and families obtain services and educational continuity under federal and state laws. Panelists will highlight approaches that use class actions, systemic advocacy, and individual advocacy and discuss how pro bono partnerships can bring about immediate, substantial change. Attendees will receive a copy of the ABA books Educating Children Without Housing and Runaway and Homeless Youth and the Law: Model State Statutes.

What You Need to Know About Finances and Internal Controls

Kevin Karoo, BDO, Las Vegas, NV.

Internal controls protect the assets of an organization, create reliable financial reporting, promote compliance with laws and regulations, and achieve effective and efficient operations. Learn about procedures your organization should have in place, including those for handling funds, timely financial reporting, conducting the annual audit of the organization s financial statements, evaluating staff and programs, maintaining inventory records, and personnel and conflicts of interest policies.

Where Are We Now? A National Perspective on State and Local Immigration Enforcement

Document available: Lai_Handout

Document available: Lai_Outline

This cutting edge discussion will look at federal, state, and local efforts to enforce immigration laws, specifically after Arizona S.B. 1070. The panel will focus on how advocates can become involved in preventing or advocating against further anti-immigrant policy, and the specific areas where current advocacy efforts are needed.

Win Win Pro Bono Partnerships

Sharon Bashan, Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA.
Andrea Fitanides, Volunteer Legal Services Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Esther F. Lardent, Pro Bono Institute, Washington, D.C.
Julie Park, Fenwick & West LLP, Mountain View, CA.

This session will focus on creating successful pro bono partnerships. The panel will explore the various forms of pro bono opportunities such as limited scope models, clinics, in-house models, etc., from the perspective of law firms, corporate counsel and non-profit legal service organizations. Panelists and attendees will discuss how partners in pro bono can work together to create long term win-win situations for all.

Winning Big by Betting on Legal Aid and Pro Bono Program Staff

Kelly Carmody, Carmody and Associates, Phoenix, AZ.
Catherine Carr, Community Legal Services, Philadelphia, PA.
Lauren Gilbride, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH.
Steven Grumm, National Association of Law Placement (NALP), Washington, DC.
Gary Housepian, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, Nashville, TN.

Document available: Carmody_Handout1

Document available: Carmody_Handout2

Document available: Carmody_Handout3

Document available: Carmody_Handout4

Join our interactive program where we will, 1. offer the latest data on salaries and other recruitment/retention factors for legal aid and pro bono staff, and 2. facilitate candid discussion on how to retain a high-quality, dedicated workforce by making careers more attractive and professionally rewarding. Topics will include salaries, benefits, flexible work schedules, supervision, training, and more.

Working with Volunteer Attorneys: The Good, the Bad, the Complicated

Tiela Chalmers, Volunteer Legal services Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
A. Nicole Friant, Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia, PA.
Genevieve Richardson, Esq., Bay Area Legal Aid, Oakland, CA.
Amanda D. Smith, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, NY.
Nancy Stuart, University of California Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA.

This session will feature a presentation by and discussion with attorneys who supervise pro bono services at a legal aid organization which utilizes volunteer attorneys to represent low-income clients. Join in this interactive discussion of, among other things, how to best support volunteer attorneys (training, mentorship), how to handle under performing volunteers, and what to do with attorneys who drop the ball.

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Workshop Archive 2011

EJC 2011 Materials