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2024 National Celebration of Pro Bono

Pennsylvania

October 2024

Tuesday October 1

Elder Law Mistakes & Myths

Westmoreland Bar Foundation

Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA

The Westmoreland Bar Foundation invites you to a FREE seminar about wills, trusts, and common medical assistance mistakes, sponsored by Somerset Trust.

HUD Homeless Assistance Programs and Permanent Supportive Housing

National Center on Law & Elder Rights

Virtual, PA

Homelessness interventions, such as permanent supportive housing (PSH), are critical for preventing and reducing homelessness for low-income older adults. As homelessness rises among this group, legal assistance providers and aging services advocates should know how to connect their clients to PSH and other resources available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) homeless assistance programs. Advocates can also play a key role in ensuring that the homeless service system equitably meets the needs of older adults.

Thursday October 4

Pro Bono Life Planning Clinic 

Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pro Bono Center of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, Duquesne University Kline School of Law Tribone Center for Clinical Education, and LIFE Pittsburgh

McKees Rocks Adult Day Health Center, McKees Rocks, PA

Attorneys will partner with Duquesne Kline Law students to draft simple advance planning documents, focused on health care and financial decision-making, in the event of incapacity or medical disability. Consider joining your colleagues for this event.

Saturday October 5

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, BA Pro Bono Office, Lebanon County Bar Association

Palmyra, PA

Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for October 5, 2024 at Citizens Fire Company No. 1, 35 West Walnut Street in Palmyra, PA  beginning at 11:00 AM Eastern. Wills for Heroes (WFH) is a program under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, with the support of the PBA Pro Bono Office presented in partnership with local bar associations across Pennsylvania. 

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, PBA Pro Bono Office, Montgomery Bar Association

Horsham Township, PA

A Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for October 5, 2024 at the Horsham Fire Co. in Horsham Township, PA. Wills for Heroes (WFH) is a program under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, with the support of the PBA Pro Bono Office presented in partnership with local bar associations across Pennsylvania. 

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, PBA Pro Bono Office, ACBA Young Lawyers Division Public Service Committee

Pittsburgh, PA

Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for October 5, 2024  from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local 1, 120 Flowers Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15207.

Wills for Heroes (WFH) is a program under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, with the support of the PBA Pro Bono Office presented in partnership with local bar associations across Pennsylvania.

Monday October 7

Tools and Strategies for Incorporating Inclusive Principles in Your Law Practice 

Philadelphia Bar Association - Diversity Committee of the Family Law Section and the Office of Diversity

Virtual, PA

This valuable CLE program will provide attendees with important tools and strategies needed to incorporate inclusive principles into their law practices (or business.)  

Tuesday October 8

Estate Planning Training and Clinic

Philadelphia VIP

Philadelphia, PA

Wills, powers of attorney, and living wills allow our neighbors to plan for their futures and leave their homes to their loved ones. Join Philadelphia VIP for a  two-part Estate Planning Training and Clinic on Oct. 8 and Nov. 14 to help a pro bono client put these documents in place.

Lawyering From a Trauma-Informed Perspective 2024: Best Practices for Nonprofit and Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

Practising Law Institute

Virtual, PA

The Practising Law Institute is offering a webcast of a live presentation from New York entitled Lawyering From a Trauma-Informed Perspective 2024: Best Practices for Nonprofit and Pro Bono Legal Service Providers on October 8, 2024 from 1:00 PM-4:45 PM Eastern.

Wednesday October 9

Understanding Why They Can’t Just Leave: A Review of the Law’s Impact on Intimate Partner Violence

Women's Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Virtual, PA

Nearly 50% of women and 44% of men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime and 1 in 5 female homicide victims were killed by their current or former intimate partner.  This CLE will provide:

  • An overview of domestic violence (also known as Intimate Partner Violence) – including the cycle of violence; the manifestations of domestic violence; and the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors in communities of color; immigrant communities; and the LGBTQIA community.
  • Insight into domestic violence in the areas of civil, immigration, employment, housing, and criminal law and the remedies available to survivors.
  • A discussion about the impact that recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions including Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health OrganizationU.S. v. RahimiLoper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and Grants Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson have on those affected by domestic violence and the litigation of domestic violence matters - in the areas of birthing and reproduction, protective orders and gun ownership, housing rights, and the enforcement of rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Thursday October 10

I.D.E.A.L. Conversation Breakfast

MidPenn Legal Services' Justice & Equity Center, LGBT Center of Greater Reading

Reading, PA

This event is an important step towards initiating conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues from a civil legal aid perspective in Berks County. With an esteemed panel of speakers, this event offers attendees an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the complexities of DEI issues and become more effective advocates in their communities. There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required.

“I Don’t Belong”: Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession 

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania

Virtual, PA

A free collaborative program between the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania. entitled “I Don’t Belong”: Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession will be presented via a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern.

Episcopal Legal Aid Annual Celebration

Episcopal Legal Aid 

Bala Cynwd, PA

Episcopal Legal Aid will be holding its Annual Celebration on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Church of St. Asaph, 27 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwd, PA  19004.

Please join them for a casual evening of conversation, drinks, hours d'oeuvres and decadent dessert as they celebrate collective achievements in reaching their fifth anniversary. 

Homeless Advocacy Project Annual Benefit 

Homeless Advocacy Project

Broad Street Love, Philadelphia, PA

Join the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) for a night of giving back at the Homeless Advocacy Project’s annual Benefit and Silent Auction, themed, “Celebrating our Stories!”

On October 10, 2024 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, we’ll be gathering at Broad Street Love to celebrate the incredible stories of resilience and hope within our community. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks, networking opportunities, and exciting silent auction items.

Friday October 11

Discharge Upgrade Legal Clinic 

Pennsylvania Bar Association, The Veterans Consortium Discharge Upgrade Program, DAV Charitable Service Trust, the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation, the Philadelphia Bar Association, PNC, and Blank Rome

Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Office, Philadelphia, PA

Volunteers will provide free legal assistance to veterans to address a less than honorable discharge related to:

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • DADT, Anti-LGBTQIA+ policies and/or other mitigating factors. 

Volunteers can also assist with transgender name changes regardless of discharge type. 

Wednesday October 16

Arbitrating and Mediating Landlord Tenant Disputes

Neighborhood Legal Services, Allegheny County Housing Court, Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership

Pittsburgh, PA

Join Allegheny County Housing Court staff, Neighborhood Legal Services, and the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership to learn how you can assist in Landlord-Tenant cases at the Court of Common Pleas.

Thursday October 17

Women in the Law's Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Women in the Law Section of the Delaware County Bar Association

Delaware County Bar Association

The Women in the Law Section of the Delaware County Bar Association is hosting a Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM Eastern at the Delaware County Bar Association

Friday October 18

Pro Bono Estate Planning Clinic

Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Duquesne University Kline School of Law Tribone Center for Clinical Education, Neighborhood Legal Services and Butler County Area Agency on Aging LIFECity, State, Virtual Etc.

Butler, PA

The volunteers will partner with Duquesne Kline Law students to draft simple advance planning documents, focused on health care and financial decision-making, in the event of incapacity or medical disability. Consider joining your colleagues for this event. 

Saturday October 19

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, BA Pro Bono Office, Beaver County Bar Association

Beaver County Bar Association, Beaver, PA

A Wills for Heroes event is scheduled for October 5, 2024 at the Beaver County Bar Association located at 788 Turnpike St, Beaver PA, 15009 beginning at 11 AM.  

Monday October 21

Muffins and Monitors

Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas

Please join us for light breakfast as we thank the Court's current and future Pro Bono Guardianship Monitors.

Ethical Issues in Working With Pro Bono Clients in 2024

Practising Law Institute

Virtual, PA

The Practising Law Institute is offering a virtual one-hour briefing entitled Ethical Issues in Working With Pro Bono Clients in 2024 on October 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Eastern.

Tuesday October 22

Federal Practice for Legal Aid, Public Interest, and Pro Bono Attorneys: A Roadmap (Virtual Event)

Practising Law Institute

Virtual, PA

The Practising Law Institute is offering a virtual one-hour briefing entitled Federal Practice for Legal Aid, Public Interest, and Pro Bono Attorneys: A Roadmap on October 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Eastern.

Litigation for Unaccompanied Children: Updates and Foundational Cases (Virtual Event)

ABA Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA), National Immigration Litigation Alliance (NILA)

Virtual CLE

Wednesday October 23

Philadelphia VIP: New Volunteer Open House

Philadelphia VIP

Philadelphia, PA

Want to hear about pro bono opportunities that benefit your neighbors, get to know VIP’s legal team, or simply enjoy coffee and a pastry on your way into work?

Join VIP for an Open House at our Center City office on Wednesday, October 23 from 8:30–9:30 am. This event is part of the National Celebration of Pro Bono.

Clean Slate 3.0 and Pardons: Removing Pennsylvania Criminal Records

Fayette County Bar Association

Fayette County Courthouse, Union Town, PA

The Fayette County Bar Association is hosting a Lunch and Learn program entitled Clean Slate 3.0 and Pardons: Removing Pennsylvania Criminal Records on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM-1:30 PM Eastern.

Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports 

National Center on Law & Elder Rights 

Virtual, PA

The National Center on Law & Elder Rights is hosting a free webinar entitled Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports  on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Eastern. 

Thursday October 24

Pro Bono Week Celebration: CLE and Reception 

Bucks County Bar Association 

Bucks County Bar Association, Doylestown, PA

The Bucks County Bar Association will host a Pro Bono Week Celebration: CLE and Reception on October 24. 2024. The CLE presentation will take place from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern, with the reception to follow.

Pro Bono Volunteer Reception

Chester County Bar Association

Chester County, PA

This receptions is in gratitude for the hard work of volunteers and their dedication to pro bono service. Beer, wine and apps will be provided. 

LCD's Annual Celebration

Legal Clinic for the Disabled 

Philadelphia, PA

There will be a VIP opportunity beginning at 5:15 pm, and the main event will include an awards ceremony, live and silent auctions, cocktail-style catering, and drinks. The event supports LCD's work to provide free civil legal services to low-income persons with disabilities in the Philadelphia region. You can be a champion of justice by sponsoring LCD’s 2024 Annual Celebration.

Friday, October 25

What's Stopping You? Overcoming Obstacles to Pro Bono

Allegheny County Bar Association

Virtual, PA

This program will spotlight pro bono work and opportunities, aligning with the National Celebration of Pro Bono Week. Panelists will address several key topics, including:

  • Overcoming common barriers to pro bono involvement, such as concerns about malpractice insurance, managing the demands of a busy work and family life and navigating positional conflicts and the relevant Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Exploring “bite-sized” (short-term) pro bono opportunities in Allegheny County
  • Discussing potential long-term service projects

Additionally, this program will examine the “justice gap” and highlight resources from legal aid organizations, including training, mentoring and CLE credits, to support pro bono efforts.

Clean Slate Day

Summit Legal Aid, One Voice One Community

Uniontown, PA

Volunteers are needed for a Clean Slate Day Legal Clinic which will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Eastern.

Saturday October 26

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, BA Pro Bono Office, Clarion County Bar Association-Clarion County, PA

Clarion County, PA

Wills for Heroes is a free and easy service that provides Wills, Living Wills, Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney to first responders and military veterans and their spouses/partners.

Tuesday October 29

Wills for Heroes

Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, BA Pro Bono Office, Westmoreland Bar Association/Foundation

Greensburg, PA

Wills for Heroes is a free and easy service that provides Wills, Living Wills, Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney to first responders and military veterans and their spouses/partners.

Wednesday October 30 

Annual Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership Meeting

Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership; Neighborhood Legal Services 

Virtual Event, PA

The Changing Landscape of Pro Bono Volunteering 
Guest Speaker: Martin J Cowling, Change Management Expert

The COVID pandemic ushered in a shift in how legal services are provided, and its impact on volunteerism is being felt in Allegheny County and throughout the United States.  Previous models for pro bono recruitment, training, and programming may no longer be effective in the new landscape of legal services.

Martin J. Cowling, an internationally recognized change management expert, will discuss this challenge and help us identify ways that we can adapt to the significant generational, technological and societal changes affecting the engaging of today's volunteers and non volunteers.

Representing Clients Struggling With Mental Health 2024

Practising Law Institute

Virtual, PA

The Practising Law Institute is offering a webcast of a live presentation from San Francisco entitled Representing Clients Struggling With Mental Health 2024 on October 30, 2024 from 12:00 PM-3:45 PM Eastern.

Boardroom Essentials + Networking & Cocktails - Keystone Pro Bono Awards & Presidential Service Awards

Montgomery Bar Association

Montgomery Bar Association, Norristown, PA

The Montgomery Bar Association Is hosting a CLE Presentation entitled Boardroom Essentials + Networking & Cocktails on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 3:30 PM-5:30 PM Eastern. The CLE presentation will be followed by the Keystone Pro Bono Awards & President's Volunteer Service Award Presentation. 

Small Business CLE and Legal Clinic

Philadelphia VIP, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, Association of Corporate Counsel of Greater Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

Following a CLE training (one substantive credit), volunteers will be matched with a small business based on the volunteer’s skillset and the business’s needs. Volunteers will provide a one-hour consultation to their clients to help identify and strategize around issues like business taxes, choice of entity, trademarks, and much more.