2023 EJC Full Schedule

Tuesday, May 2

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Management Information Exchange Presents: New Executive Director Training 
This MIE Executive Director Training will help you thrive as a new Legal Aid Executive Director. The multiple challenges of this moment—pandemic, racism and economy—require us to evaluate and change up the ways we advance our mission and develop new leadership approaches. At the same time, the ongoing demands of funding and running a complex program require skills and attention. In this training, you will engage with peers, hear from experienced leaders, and gain diverse perspectives from colleagues who also face these challenges. Given all the demands on your time right now, this training is a worthwhile investment, providing assistance with specific issues you will dealing with for the short term and relationship building with other new executive directors who can form a support base for the long term. MIE’s training “Thriving as a Newer Legal Aid Executive Director in Challenging Times” is designed for the challenges facing the legal aid executive director today. Join us if you are a new director of an LSC-funded, IOLTA-funded, elder law, pro bono, or protection and advocacy program. Registration will be limited for this training to ensure productive small group discussion.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Groups
The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference is proud to provide a wellness space at the 2023 conference for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ attendees to connect and engage with each other. The affinity groups are a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering the success and support of our attendees. Each room has a designated community member who will serve as a point person and ensure a safe space for those who choose to participate. No registration is required; drop in as you desire.
LGBTQ+ attendees:     Dallas Ballroom D1
BIPOC attendees:         Dallas Ballroom D2

Wednesday, May 3

7:00 am – 11:00 am

Preconference Registration

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Law School ProBono Advisors Program
Designed for law school pro bono program advisors, coordinators, directors and assistant and associate deans, this program will take a close look at law school pro bono including cutting-edge programs and activities. Several interactive workshops will explore the unique aspects of operating and expanding a law school pro bono program.

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

New Pro Bono Managers: Nuts and Bolts
Designed for new (in the position for one year or less) pro bono coordinators/managers, this program will address the basic elements of operating a pro bono program. Trainers will discuss a wide range of topics including program structure and governance, intake and referral procedures, using technology to recruit, support and thank volunteers, maintaining a client-centered approach to service delivery, strategies for effectively utilizing volunteers and ways to develop partnerships with the bar, bench, and other providers of legal services and other groups.

Management Information Exchange Presents: New Executive Director Training

8:30 am – 6:00 pm

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association Presents: Creating Opportunity Through Criminal Record-Clearing
Record clearing, through expungement, sealing and other legal remedies, is a perfect fit for pro bono initiatives, as well as law school clinics, civil legal aid programs, and defender programs. Representation is usually brief and time limited, and the cases are relatively easy. The demand for these legal services is overwhelming, as an estimated one out of three American adults has a criminal record, many of which are eligible for clearing. satisfying for lawyers. This preconference will address issues common across the fifty states in establishing and growing an expungement/ sealing practice. 

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Preconference Registration

12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Pro Bono State Support and Access to Justice Coordinators Meeting (Closed Meeting)

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The ABA Center For Pro Bono and The National Association of Pro Bono Professionals Present: Beyond the Basics: Experienced Pro Bono Program Managers
Designed for experienced pro bono managers, this preconference will tackle issues common to pro bono programs from the perspective of veteran staff. More detailed information on programming will be available at a later date.

The National Association of IOLTA Programs (NAIP) Present: Legal Services Funders: Doing More Together (Closed Meeting)

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Groups
The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference is proud to provide a wellness space at the 2023 conference for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ attendees to connect and engage with each other. The affinity groups are a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering the success and support of our attendees. Each room has a designated community member who will serve as a point person and ensure a safe space for those who choose to participate. No registration is required; drop in as you desire.

LGBTQ+ attendees:     Dallas Ballroom D1
BIPOC attendees:         Dallas Ballroom D2

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The National Association of IOLTA Programs (NAIP) Reception (Invitation Only)

6:00 pm

Dutch Treat Dine-Around Coordinated by the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals (NAPBPRO)

Thursday, May 4

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Conference Registration

Exhibitor Showcase

8:30 am – 9:45 am

Opening Plenary
Join us for welcoming remarks from the Equal Justice Conference co-chairs and others, followed by a conversation between Luci Baines Johnson and Mark Updegrove about President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society, an ambitious series of policy initiatives, legislation and programs with the goals of ending poverty, reducing crime, abolishing inequality and improving the environment.

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Bridging the Civil Access to Justice Gap in Alaska Through Research, Policy, and Practice Innovations
This session will offer insights and lessons learned from a 2022-23 National Science Foundation (NSF) CIVIC planning grant focused on bridging empirical research, policy, and practice innovations. The presenters will discuss their efforts to evaluate and scale up Alaska Legal Services Corporation's Community Justice Worker Project, which trains and supervises lay advocates to provide legal advice and representation in rural and underserved parts of Alaska. Through evidence-based strategies, changes to Alaska's UPL rules, and innovative training and program delivery, ALSC's Community Justice Worker Project serves as a national model for effective and scalable community-led civil legal assistance.
Matthew Burnett, American Bar Foundation
Rebecca Johnson, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy 
Nikole Nelson, Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Dr. Robert Onders, Maniilaq Health Center
Rebecca L. Sandefur, Arizona State University

Doing the Work: Creating and Implementing a Race Equity Plan in Real Life
This workshop will be an interactive discussion that provides a glimpse into the reality of moving a civil legal aid organization forward in its commitment toward racial justice. Presenters will share stories, experiences, challenges, and lessons learned as they led the creation and implementation of their firm's Race Equity Alignment Plan in the pressure cooker of a global pandemic and a national racial reckoning. There will be opportunities for participants to engage through sharing their own experiences and formulating plans for action in their own communities.
Monica Cail, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
Jennifer L. Johnson, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
Deedee Peterson, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.

Fair Chance Housing:  Strategies for Increasing Access to Housing for People with Criminal Records
This workshop will equip participants to identify and address systemic housing barriers faced by people with criminal records. Participants will learn about key laws and rules regulating the rights of people with criminal records when seeking and maintaining housing and impactful advocacy strategies for increasing access to housing for this population.
Taqwaa Bonner, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children/All of Us or None
Jarrell Mitchell, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Tina Rosales, Western Center on Law & Poverty

Inclusive Management Strategies for Effective Staff Supervision
A primary role of an effective manager is to create an environment where supervisees engage fully in the pursuit of the organization's mission to increase access to justice. This engagement can be fostered by implementing intentional, inclusive strategies for decision making, feedback sharing, and professional development.
Merf Ehman, Columbia Legal Services
Kimberly Merchant, Shriver Center on Poverty Law

MIE Roundtable for Legal Services Executive Directors and Managers
The MIE Roundtable allows legal services Executive Directors and Managers to discuss difficult challenges and pressing concerns confidentially, and to benefit from their colleagues who have experience and learning to share. This session moves the community as a whole forward toward better management, resulting in better services to clients.
Jon Laramore, Indiana Legal Services
Alexis Smith, New Haven Legal Aid Association

Not Invisible Anymore: An MLP Addressing the Health Inequities of Los Angeles’ Underserved Asian Pacific Islanders
This session will be a panel discussion highlighting how an API-focused Medical-Legal Partnership will help to improve API health outcomes through culturally and linguistically sensitive practices and eliminating barriers to care. 
Brenton Inouye, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Ronnette Ramos, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Bavani Sridhar, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Dr. Sompia Paigne, Community Medical Wellness Centers USA 

One Year Post-Roe: Litigation, Policy, and Legislative landscape, and the Role of Pro Bono Lawyering Amidst a Public Health Crisis
We are living through a public health crisis; abortion is illegal in 12 states, and several more have no abortion providers remaining. In states with criminal abortion bans, women suffering miscarriages are being turned away from hospitals in life-threatening circumstances. Women, and particularly low income, BIPOC women struggling to make ends meet, who lack the resources to travel to another state to get abortion care, must either carry their pregnancies to term or seek other means to end their pregnancies. At least 66 abortion clinics have closed since Roe was overturned; state legislatures hostile to abortion are reconvening for the first time since the Supreme Court’s ruling, and we expect more bans and restrictions to pass. The fall of Roe has created a patchwork of abortion access across the country, with large swaths of the Southeastern and Southern U.S. banning and going so far as to create civil and criminal liability around abortion care. 
Kamyon Conner, Texas Equal Access Fund
Marc Hearron, Center for Reproductive Rights
Jenna Hudson, Center for Reproductive Rights
Jamie Levitt, Morrison & Foerster

Reimagining Housing Court: Increasing Access to Legal and Non-Legal Services
Eviction courts are often high volume, fast-paced courtrooms, which has created many challenges to enacting significant reforms. During the pandemic, eviction courts rose to the occasion and embraced a new role as conveners and connectors. Building off that momentum, courts are now creating problem-solving housing courts that integrate connections to legal aid, mediation, social services, and financial resources into the court process. Hear from programs across the country about how they are infusing legal aid and other stabilizing resources into the court process with the goal of promoting stability, and learn how courts and advocates can work together effectively to achieve a common goal. The session will focus on key collaborative partnerships within the various programs, as well as the types and levels of services provided, and how rightsizing services contributes to the programs' effectiveness and sustainability.
Hon. Kimberly Bacon, Lawrence Township Small Claims Court
Mairead Napolitano, Civil Division of the Law Vegas Justice Court
Samira Nazem, National Center for State Courts
Elise Tincher, The Chicago Bar Foundation

The Changing Landscape of Pro Bono Volunteering
COVID-19 has accelerated a seismic shift in volunteering across the USA and the globe. Our models of pro bono volunteering from the 20th century are no longer "fit for purpose" in the 21st century. In this  provocative, engaging and example filled interactive session we will examine the changing landscape of pro bono volunteering across various sectors and how we need to adapt to significant generational, technological and societal changes affecting the engaging of today's volunteers and non volunteers. This workshop provide you with valuable insights into the world of pro bono volunteering and will lead to new thinking and new action to make a difference in your community.
Martin  J. Cowling, Change Management Expert 

Transactional Pro Bono: Opportunities to Do Meaningful Pro Bono Work Without Going Anywhere Near a Courtroom 
COVID-19 and shifting political environments have posed significant challenges to the work of many social impact non-profits in recent years, but the good news is that there are ways that attorneys can help! Join us for a dynamic discussion on growing your transactional pro bono practice through individual advisory projects, clinics, and legal research projects. We will talk about where to source these opportunities supporting non-profits, the ins-and-outs of working with pro bono providers, and how to motivate your attorneys to undertake this critical pro bono work. 
Samantha Biggio, TrustLaw Legal Officer
Darryl Maxwell, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Tara Moss, Winston & Strawn

Utilizing Automated Text Messaging to Better Understand Client Legal and Social Outcomes
This panel will present three approaches to collecting data on legal services outcomes through use of automated text messaging systems. Each of 3 panelists represent a different geographic location and will provide different strategies and experiences with utilizing technology, constructing client surveys and analyzing data collected. 
Luigi Bai, Lone Star Legal Aid
Lauren Gilbride, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Susan Vincent, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Networking Lunch: Choose From the Following Topics:

ABA Free Legal Answers Administrators (invite only)
Building the Bench
Disaster Legal AssistanceGun Violence
Legal Services Corporation (Invite Only)
Meet the Feds: Who's Who in the Department of Justice and How Can they Work with You
Poverty Simulation
Voting Rights
Pro Bono Net Partner and Stakeholder Affinity Gathering

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Advancing Technology to Help Alaska's Low-Income Community Members Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
ALSC and UX4Justice will share the processes and lessons from their evaluation of Benefactor, ALSC's digital assistant for community navigators who support SSI/SSDI applicants. Panelists will cover how usability testing (design, implementation, and evaluation) can be paired with design and systems-thinking to create a development roadmap that meets legal empowerment goals.
Sarah Mauet,  University of Arizona College of Law & University of Utah School of Business
Eric Vang, Alaska Legal Services Corporation

Beyond Opioids
Three years into a first of its kind statewide project, we will discuss what has gone right, wrong, and what has been learned as we focus on providing civil legal services to address social determinants of recovery for individual and families impacted by the opioids crisis. We will discuss stigma surrounding those in recovery and how to enhance the cultural competence of those serving the population. We will focus on the importance of partnerships in making this delivery model a success, and we will discuss sustainability and using opioid settlement funds to integrate legal aid programs into the treatment and recovery teams.
Helen Gratil, Legal Aid of Arkansas
Kirk Lane, Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership
Lee Richardson, Legal Aid of Arkansas 

Heirs' Property: A Case Study of Cultural Competence in Pro Bono
Representing Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous landowners in heirs’ property matters offers an excellent case study regarding cultural competence in pro bono representation. As a legal issue, heirs’ property is fairly easy to describe. But solving it requires a firm understanding of the clients’ historical and cultural relationships to the land. Panelists will discuss how to address these cultural competence questions with pro bono volunteers.
Lillian "Ebonie" Alexander, Black Family Land Trust, Inc.
Henry Su, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Data a/k/a Data is the Bomb!
The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee launched an Eviction Right-to-Counsel initiative in September 2021. That project, Eviction Free MKE, involves a public/private partnership and refreshed approach to the delivery of civil legal services. How does a public interest law firm incorporate marketing and metrics to best connect with its client base and cajole, persuade, and train nonprofit staff to embrace data collection for the greater good? 
Aziz Abdullah, Inpower Solutions, LLC
Colleen Foley, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
Neil Steinkamp, Stout Risius Ross, LLC 

Injustice of the Peace
During the COVID pandemic, tax attorney Mark Melton began posting advice on social media for people facing eviction and eventually recruited over 175 attorneys who assisted more than 6,000 people facing eviction. He since founded the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, seeking to create systemic change in eviction courts. Mark will discuss the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center's strategies to effect that change and how your community can engage in similar efforts.
Mark Melton, Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center

Insurance, Race, and Justice
The rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) engagement has made the business community increasingly aware of its impact on justice and equity of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, suppliers, and shareholders. This is especially true for the insurance industry. That’s why NLADA Mutual Insurance Co. RRG and American Family Insurance have teamed up to explore ways to engage insurance professionals to advance justice within the broader ESG framework. Whether its responding to high civil awards in police use-of-force cases, auto insurance premium spikes in states with high drivers’ license suspensions for failure to pay fines/fees, employer reluctance to adopt fair chance hiring practices, or other race and justice issues with an insurance element, this session will explore the barriers to insurance coverage for low income communities and communities of color, share current possibilities and get your ideas about these and other areas where enrolling insurance professionals can advance justice and equity.
Alexander T. Brown, Lathrop GPM
Lisa Foster, Fines and Fees Justice Center
Nyra Jordan, American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
Karen A. Lash, Lash Consulting, LLC
Jo-Ann Wallace, NLADA Insurance Program

Leading Through Crisis: Future Skills for Success
In today's rapidly changing world, leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, from the pandemic to disasters, that require new approaches and skills to propel organizations forward. In this conference session, we will explore the critical leadership skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape and best support marginalized and disenfranchised communities. We will examine how leaders can develop their abilities to effectively manage crises and lead teams in uncertain times. We will also explore strategies for building resilience, fostering innovation, and adapting to change in order to position your pro bono work for long-term success. This session will be an interactive and engaging discussion drawing on US and international trends and learnings. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical advice that can help you become a more effective leader and drive success in your organization.
Martin  J. Cowling, Change Management Expert 

Leveraging Pro Bono Partnerships for Appellate Court Victories and Systemic Change
Dentons' lawyers coupled with Legal Aid Chicago's subject matter expertise has shifted the systemic domestic violence legal landscape in Illinois by holding courts accountable to survivors. Panelists will introduce participants to the Order of Protection Appeals Project and help them envision their own systemic reform projects. 
Teresa A. Sullivan, Legal Aid Chicago
Benjamin C. Weinberg, Dentons

Making Transgender Pro Bono Legal Programs Work
In this session, we will discuss how the Transgender Legal Assistance Clinic, launched in 2015 Orange County, California, expanded to five locations across California and still growing.  We will talk about partnering with community-based organizations, involving law students, overcoming trans-persons' reluctance to access the legal system, and how to pay for and administer name change and gender marker change clinics.
Manuel Antunez, LGBTQ Center of Orange County
Anna Strasburg Davis,  University of California, Irvine School of Law
Stephen T. Hicklin, The Hicklin Firm
Avery Kunstler, Bet Tzedek Legal Services 
Jean Selep, University of California, Irvine School of Law 

Merging Advocacy and Pro Bono:  How to Develop a Strategic Plan
Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP) created a Pro Bono Department with the help of a PBIF grant in 2020.  During the first two years of the grant the pro bono staff focused on working through a pandemic and the implementation of new Clean Slate Laws in Michigan. MAP is now, with the help of a consultant, moving forward to develop a strategic plan that incorporates the goals of the Pro Bono Department with the advocacy goals of our field offices. If selected, this panel would discuss how we decided to do this, the tensions between what MAP needed for advocacy and what pro bono attorneys could provide, and the process of developing a plan. MAP should have a completed pro bono strategic plan to share.
Shannon Lucas, Michigan Advocacy Program
Sarah Munro, Michigan Advocacy Program 

The Above the Line Network: Innovative Service Models for Those Legal Aid Can't Help
The Above the Line Network is a new group of incubators, nonprofit law firms, sliding-scale legal aid programs, and other entities working to better serve the huge group of people identified in the new Legal Services Corporation Justice Gap study who make too much to qualify for free legal aid but struggle to find affordable legal help. Learn more about the network, what they are finding works well for this market, and how you can get involved.
Christine Arnold, Access Pro Bono of BC/Everyone Legal Clinic
Jessica Bednarz, IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
Lana Kleiman, Charleston Legal Access 
Jamie Maclaren, Access Pro Bono of BC/Everyone Legal Clinic
Roya Samarghandi, The Chicago Bar Foundation

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Networking Break

3:30 pm - 5:00pm

Actionable Insights from Current Access to Civil Justice Research
As empirical research into access to justice proliferates, a new body of work presents opportunities for integration and synthesis. In this session, access to justice researchers will highlight current research, emerging trends, and actionable insights to inform policy and practice.  
Matthew Burnett, American Bar Foundation 
Rebecca Sandefur, Arizona State University & Faculty Fellow, American Bar Foundation 
Neil Steinkamp, Stout

Building a Successful Public Benefits Pro Bono Project
Experts at Legal Services NYC and a major law firm will share successful approaches to creating large-scale public benefits pro bono programming to help clients access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing grants, and more. Learn how training, mentorship, and case screening can lead to highly-effective pro bono assistance on public benefits matters.
Denise Acron, Manhattan Legal Services
Lizz Harrington, Legal Services NYC
Stephanie Turner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Building and Sustaining Partnerships to Provide Legal Services to LGBTQ+ Clients 
This session will give participants tools and ideas on how to build and sustain partnerships with community and advocacy organizations to better provide culturally competent legal services to LGBTQ+ Clients. Participants will learn about the importance of building partnerships as well as some of the challenges and rewards of maintaining such partnerships.
Michelle Garcia, New Mexico Legal Aid
Victoria Smith, Lone Star Legal Aid
Ming Wong, National Center for Lesbian Rights

Developing a Pipeline for Executive Leadership in Legal Aid 
Legal services organizations benefit from caring and committed teams, from entry-level staff to executive directors. Pathways forward for future leadership, however, are not always clearly marked. Join this session to learn practical ways to develop talent within your organization to become tomorrow's executive leaders.
Jeffrey Harvey, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Yvonne Mariajimenez, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County 

Exploring Mindfulness as a Component of Well-Being
Working in legal services has inherent stressors, and research shows that practicing mindfulness can promote mental well-being and reduce stress. This training will offer an introduction to mindfulness for legal services staff and opportunities to try out different exercises  from "micro-practices" to traditional mindfulness meditation.
Julia Wilson, Julia Wilson Coaching

Eyes & Ears in Court: Gathering Data for Demanding Equal Access to Justice
OneJustice's Court Watch Project volunteer lawyers, law students, and paralegals documented observations from 400 remote and in-person small claims hearings over five months. The panelist will discuss how Court Watches can leverage technology and volunteers to uncover inequities in the courts, inform and support policy advocacy and legal services organizations' project development.
Erika Fairfield, Fenwick & West
Meredith Madnick, Loeb & Loeb
Miguel Martinez, OneJustice

Leveraging Social Media to Understand Civil Justice Needs and Connect with Your Community
In this session, we'll share the findings from justice needs surveys conducted on several different social media platforms and explore how a meaningful social media presence can connect to thousands of community members interested in sharing their civil justice experiences.
Stacy Butler, Innovation for Justice
Tate Richardson, Innovation for Justice

Pro Bono Partnering to Fight Injustice and Burnout
Confronting a widened justice gap, legal aid and law firms are struggling with staffing shortages, employees and attorneys that feel burnt out, and challenges in recruiting and supporting volunteers. Panelists will address concerns and discuss innovative pro bono delivery models and strategic partnerships to increase pro bono participation.
Melissa Picciola, Legal Aid Chicago
Angelina Smith, Jenner & Block
Phong Wong, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles 

State Legislative Funding Roundtable 
This interactive session will include reports on developments related to state legislative funding initiatives aimed at increasing resources for civil legal aid. Updates will be provided on the ABA's data collection process to support funding efforts and on potential federal funding, including COVID-19 relief funding, that might be available at the state or local advocacy levels. Participants will be able to share developments in their states in a roundtable format and learn from others about what has worked, and what has not worked, in raising state legislative funding and accessing potential federal funding.
Shubi Deoras, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives
Radhika Singh, NLADA
Jared Smith, MIE

Using Data to Identify & Address Racial Inequities
Empowered with external data about your service area and internal data about your clients, you can better understand how systemic racism impacts your clients and your community and identify practical steps toward fighting it. Learn how legal aids and access to justice organizations are doing just that.
Amanda Caldwell, Community Legal Services
Camille Gill, Ohio Access to Justice Foundation
David Neumeyer, Virginia Legal Aid Society
Rachel Perry, Strategic Data Analytics

5:00-6:00 p.m.

African-American Project Directors Association (AAPDA) Meeting
NLADA Latina-o-x Section Meeting

Affinity Groups
The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference is proud to provide a wellness space at the 2023 conference for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ attendees to connect and engage with each other. The affinity groups are a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering the success and support of our attendees. Each room has a designated community member who will serve as a point person and ensure a safe space for those who choose to participate. No registration is required; drop in as you desire.

LGBTQ+ attendees:     Dallas Ballroom D1
BIPOC attendees:         Dallas Ballroom D2

5:30 pm – 6:30pm

NAPBPRO Annual Meeting

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Host Committee Reception
Network with your colleagues and revel with your coworkers at the Arts District Mansion at the 2023 EJC Host Committee Reception. The Dallas host committee invites you to join us for a night filled with celebration and fun. Conference name badge required for entry.

Friday, May 5

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Conference Registration

Exhibitor Showcase

8:30 am - 10:00 am 

Allied Legal Professionals: A National Movement of New Legal Services Providers 
In 2012, Washington State created Limited Licensed Legal Technicians (LLLTs), a new category of professionals allowed to provide limited legal services as a way to combat the rising access to justice crisis. Come learn how and why eleven years later this has become a national movement and discover how it has evolved.
Page Beetem, University of Cincinnati 
Michael Houlberg, IAALS, Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
Hon. Kirsten Thompson, Washington County Circuit Court

Buzzer Beater – Legal Ethics for EJC Quiz Show 
Be prepared to show what you know! Using a gameshow format, experts in the legal ethics and lawyer regulation fields will entertain and educate for ethics CLE and prizes! Among the topics unique to EJC participants will be conflicts of interest (Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7 and 1.8); dealing with impaired clients (Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.14); communication and staff supervision (Model Rules 1.4 and 5.3); access to justice, technology, and regulatory innovation (Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 and 5.5); and… EJC trivia for bonus points.    
Lauren Gilbride, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Jenny Mittelman, State Bar of Georgia

Educating Legislators About Legal Aid 2.0 
This session is designed to build on the workshops we have done for the past few years on how to explain legal aid as constituent services to legislators and their staff.  Now that many LSC grantees and other legal aid programs have begun to develop relationships with their federal and state legislators and staff, we want to identify ways to build on and expand those connections, e.g., provide trainings for district caseworkers; involve legislative staff in community outreach efforts.  The panel will include LSC grantee Executive Directors and civil legal aid practitioners with experience meeting with and educating federal and state legislators and their staff.  The panel will also address compliance with LSC lobbying restrictions applicable to LSC grantees in communicating with legislators.
Carol Bergman, Legal Services Corporation 
Ron Flagg, Legal Services Corporation 
Nikole Nelson, Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Betty Balli Torres, Texas Access to Justice Foundation
Laura Tuggle, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

It Takes a Village: Federal Funding's Role in Ensuring Equity and Inclusion
In June 2022, the Associate Attorney General of the United States  issued a memo directing relevant Department of Justice components to take a number of actions to strengthen the Department's implementation and administrative enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (Safe Streets Act). The Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) engages stakeholders in many ways, including through its funding opportunities, training and technical assistance centers, and its administration of grant programs. This session will inform participants about the Associate’s memo and generate with the field practical steps on how to ensure equal access to and an inclusive experience in OJP funding opportunities, programs, and support centers.
Kevonne Small, U.S. Department of Justice
Kimberly Lopez, U.S. Department of Justice
Ana Paula Noguez Mercado; U.S. Department of Justice
Hayne Yoon, U.S. Department of Justice 

How Legal Aid and Pro Bono Lawyers Can Help Prevent Evictions 
This session will explore the various tools, processes, and procedures that legal aid and pro bono lawyers can utilize to assist their clients who are facing eviction. The presenters will discuss these, including eviction matters, including due process protections, right to counsel, eviction diversion programs, and data privacy protections. Attendees will also learn about the Ten Guidelines for Residential Eviction Laws, developed by the ABA Task Force on Eviction, Housing Stability, and Equity, and hear about examples from around the country illustrating how to put them in action.
Margaret Hagan, Legal Design Lab
Theodore A. Howard, Wiley Rein, LLP
Samira Nazem, National Center for State Courts

Legal Aid Response to Mass Shootings in Texas
Tragically, mass shootings have become commonplace. As with other disasters, Legal Aid is part of the response team. At the same time, the trauma is very different than natural disasters. The panel with look through the lens of two very different massacres at El Paso Walmart and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas and the legal needs and other issues confronted by one legal aid program, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. TRLA team members will share the hard lessons learned in doing this critical work. In addition, learn about the National Compassion Fund which helps provides funds to victims of mass casualty and its impact to the survivor clients.
Ryan Cox, San Antonio Legal Services (SALSA)
Brittanny P. Gomez, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Bernadette Segura, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid 

Recruitment, Retention and Diversity in Legal Aid: the Recommendations from the Latest Studies and Surveys 
The latest recruitment and retention studies provide a helpful snapshot of the current state of recruitment and retention in legal aid that highlight some significant challenges and opportunities for the field. Join us for an interactive discussion of the key findings of these studies and the proactive steps some organizations are taking to address them.
Bob Glaves, The Chicago Bar Foundation
DarKenya W. Waller, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

Teaching the Skills for Client-Centered & Trauma-Informed Representation 
Lawyers must learn how listen to, communicate with, and center the perspective of legal aid clients. Successful methods for teaching these skills differ from traditional legal pedagogy. This session demonstrates the importance of client-centered and trauma-informed skills training for attorney and provides a roadmap for designing and delivering it.
Alicia Aiken, Danu Center for Strategic Advocacy
Ken Rosenblad, Practising Law Institute
Jane Zhi, ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence

Train the Trainers: Inspiring Passion in 118 Seconds (Conducting Ambassador Training with Staff and Board Members) 
This session is an interactive "train the trainers" session that will provide the tools to support legal staff and board members in becoming better ambassadors for their organizations. As people begin to move back towards meeting in person, it's important for them to practice once again talking about the work their organizations do and serving as ambassadors in the community. Skills learned through this session will also be useful in a virtual setting as people can take opportunities while waiting with colleagues in a Zoom room or conducting virtual meetings with supporters. The session will also offer suggestions about creative ways to connect people with the mission of legal aid on more public virtual platforms, like social media. The session content is beneficial and applicable to all conference attendees and content can be applied universally, regardless of geography, organization size, urban/rural community type, etc.
Millie Heur, Community Legal Aid SoCal 
Emily Wing, Community Legal Aid SoCal 
Marilyn Zupkoff, Community Legal Aid SoCal 

What's an A2J Tech Fellow and Why Do I Need One For My Project? 
Learn how and why to get an A2J Tech Fellow on your team. Law students need to improve tech skills while increasing knowledge about law in modern practice. You can help shape future lawyers AND get help on your project. An A2J Tech fellow can be the perfect team member!
Susan Ingles, South Carolina Legal Services
Claudia  Johnson, LawHelp Interactive
Shellie Reid, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP)
Miguel H. Willis, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Your Clients Want to Help You Make Better Content. Here's How to Listen and Learn 
In this session, we will explore how to create more engaging and accessible content by listening to our client communities. We will demonstrate user-testing techniques that when applied to the creation of innovative and instructional legal content, makes better content that will resonate with clients.
Brea Engel, Lakeshore Legal Aid 
Beth Ann Richardson, Lakeshore Legal Aid
Katie Stanley, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

0 to 60: Incorporating Project Management to Promote Rapid Pro Bono Change 
Georgia Legal Services Program began a total transformation of its pro bono program in 2019. Through careful implementation of project management practices, the team has emerged stronger and is on track for substantial increases in the number of clients served, clinic events, volunteer partnerships, and more. Come to learn more about our story and stay for a roundtable discussion about other best practices and continuing obstacles. This session will close by discussing actionable items organizations can take to improve their legal aid, law firm, or other pro bono programs.
Heidi E. Behnke, Georgia Legal Services Program
Michael L. Monahan, Georgia Legal Services Program
Anais Taboas, Legal Services Corporation

Evictions in Houston: Cooperation, Evolution, Conditions, & Projection
This session will offer insight into the formation of the Houston / Harris County Eviction Defense Coalition, a collaboration of five non-profit legal service providers that have come together to introduce an eviction right to counsel in our service area.  The presenters will talk about the opportunities and challenges offered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long and short-term impacts on eviction protections, and projections for the future of evictions in one of the country's jurisdictions hardest hit with evictions.
Dana Karni, Lone Star Legal Aid
Ryan Marquez, University of Houston 

Legal Aid Funders Networks: Innovative Collaborations Supporting Legal Aid 
Legal aid funders networks in three different settings will share their experiences in an interactive session. Represented on the panel will be a mature network in the Bay Area of California; the possibility of a network in Texas; and a newly formed, growing network in Massachusetts. By engaging in interactive discussions with the presenters and attendees, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what in necessary to create a successful network and ways foundations, Access to Justice Commissions and legal aid programs can work together to create a network.
Lonnie Powers, Lonnie Powers Consulting
Claire M. Solot, Bigglesworth Family Foundation
Betty Balli Torres, Texas Access to Justice Foundation

Making Civil Justice a Funding Imperative 
Funding civil justice is hard. On top of delivering quality services and accessible resources for your community, you need to secure funding to launch new resources, scale your capacity, and keep operations going , all while externalizing progress and measuring impact. This session offers key insights and strategies to help raise the profile of your civil justice efforts. Hear from a panel of experts working to make civil justice a priority for national, state, and local funders.
Eduardo Gonzalez, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Pro Bono is A Field of Dreams - How to Build (Market) It So They Come 
Spoiler Alert: This session will help you save time and increase your success with recruiting volunteers. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss key marketing principles and pro bono data, develop an audience-targeted marketing plan, and learn how to craft a meaningful client-centered message for everyday and complicated matters.
Jessie G. Campbell, Lone Star Legal Aid
Tracy Figueroa, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Stacy Zinken, Paladin PBC

Pro Bono Peer Academy: Volunteer Training & Management to Meet Emerging Client Needs 
Peer Academy provides training to lawyers in areas of emerging client need. It provides mentors, integrates best practices in adult education, case support, sample pleadings and documents, CLE credit, and access to other professionals in the field. We will discuss the model, lessons learned, and templates to replicate our success.
Lena Hopkins, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Beth Johnson, thredpartners

Technology Solutions to the Access to Justice Crisis 
This will be a highly interactive and engaging session where presenters will demonstrate technology tools that have been developed and in use at Legal Aid of North Carolina to expand access to justice. The panel will also explain how the Legal Aid of North Carolina Innovation Lab is bringing community partners, staff, and justice tech experts together to pursue projects that integrate technology and design best practices into legal service delivery. Attendees will leave educated and inspired by the justice tech movement and with an understanding of how innovation can positively impact the delivery of legal services to low income clients.  
Ashley Campbell, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Scheree Gilchrist, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Ayana Robinson, Legal Aid of North Carolina

The Changing Face of Landlord Tenant Laws in a Post Pandemic World 
This session will discuss changes in landlord/tenant laws and new programs that came about as a result of the pandemic.
Warren Buff, Community Legal Services, Inc.
Kathy Hughes, Community Legal Services, Inc.
Kayla Williams-Campbell, Community Legal Services, Inc.

Training Non-Attorneys for Providing Access to Justice in Tribal Communities 
This workshop will help participants build programming to train lay advocates and students to provide services in Tribal Communities. Panelists will help identify issues unique to Native American communities and what needs can be met by non-attorney advocates. This session will also provide an overview of legal, ethical, and cultural considerations when providing these services in Tribal communities. 
Valerie Falls Down, Montana Legal Services Association
Nikole Nelson, Director, Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Jacintha Webster, Director, East Central University Native American Legal Clinic

What Does $40 Million Get You: How LSC Grantees Are Building Disaster Legal Response Programs 
As the number of natural disasters continue to rise, many civil legal service providers are being called upon to provide disaster legal services to their communities for the first time.  In 2021, Congress appropriated $40 million for necessary expenses related to the consequences of hurricanes, wildfires, other extreme weather, and earthquakes that occurred in 2020 and 2021. In this session, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Kentucky Legal Aid, Grantees of the 2020-21 Disaster Grant from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), will share insights and innovations about disaster response. Panelists will provide the audience with a series of disaster scenarios and walk them through how to prepare for and develop a disaster response program. The interactive session will provide a deeper understanding of disaster legal assistance. Attendees will consider various disaster scenarios, learn how to prepare a continuity of operations plan (COOP) for their organization's response, and how to effectively provide legal aid to disaster survivors in their service area both with and without LSC Disaster grant funds. 
Christa Figgins, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Sarah Capps Hayes, Kentucky Legal Aid
Kristy Vick-Stratton, Kentucky Legal Aid

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Awards Luncheon

1:45 pm -  3:15 pm

Access to Tax Justice for Unauthorized Immigrants 
As the COVID crisis demonstrated financial safety net benefits are increasingly delivered through federal and state tax systems. To access these benefits, taxpayers need a taxpayer identification number. For most taxpayers this is their Social Security Number; however, unauthorized immigrants who do not qualify for a Social Security Number must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to access to resources critical to families who are disproportionately impoverished and people of color. Unfortunately, the ITIN application process can be challenging and expensive. Panelists, including a co-chair of the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Economic Justice Committee, will engage with pro bono advocates to assist in outreach, education, and even the application process to provide access to economic justice through federal and state income tax systems.
Francine J. Lipman, Boyd School of Law
Karla Padilla, UNT Dallas
Jackie Vimo, National Immigration Law Center

Advocating for Legal and Lived Equality for LGBTQ+ Clients 
The Equality Ohio legal clinic is a pro bono effort that exclusively serves low-income LGBTQ+ Ohioans in both urban and rural areas. This session will provide a framework for improving cultural humility in serving LGBTQ+ clients, with a significant focus on sociological co-morbidities and intersections that disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community. Attendees will identify appropriate terms and terminology in working with the LGBTQ+ community, examine their own implicit biases in serving LGBTQ+ clients, and implement a new framework for trauma-informed legal representation for the specific needs of LGBTQ+ clients.
Kate Mozynski, Equality Ohio Legal Clinic
Maya Simek, Case Western Reserve School of Law Human Trafficking Law Project/Equality Ohio

Benchmarking Legal Aid Technology: Assessing What You Have and What You Need 
Technology is interwoven into almost every aspect of running a legal aid office, but how do you know if you have the right tools for the job? LSC's Technologies that Should be in Place in a Legal Aid Office Today has been a benchmark tool for technology assessments and planning since its first release in 2008. This session will review recent updates to this tool, and how organizations can use it to identify if they are lagging, on the right track, or making the best strategic use of technology for the delivery of legal services.
Shellie Reid, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP)
Jane Ribadeneyra, Legal Services Corporation
Ellen Samuel, Just-Tech

Corporate-Led Justice Initiatives: Bank United and the Miami Heir's Property Project 
We will discuss the development and implementation of the Heirs Property Project. The project is about to launch in the community and involves identifying eligible families to resolve tangled title issues, with BankUnited providing financial assistance to Legal Services of Greater Miami and loans or other financial products to homeowners as needed for title resolution.
Valentine Brown, Duane Morris
Eric Hibbert, BankUnited
Katharyn Voit, Duane Morris

Developing a Volunteer Interpreter Program (VIP) to Expand Access to Justice 
Oftentimes, access to justice is unattainable for those who are not proficient in English. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada developed and implemented a Volunteer Interpreter Program (VIP) to increase access to justice and bridge the language access gap. The VIP program pairs both court-certified and non court-certified volunteer interpreters from the community with pro bono attorneys to provide legal services to low-income individuals and families who face critical legal problems and do not speak English. Panelists will describe how the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada's VIP program came to be and continues to provide vital services to the community and offer attendees tips for establishing a similar program in their community.
Christena Georgas-Burns, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
Michael Wendlberger, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada

Fighting Harmful Public Benefits Algorithms Through Uniting Technologists & Lawyers 
Governments' use of technology in public benefit programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) involves substantial advocacy challenges, including opaque processes, automated discrimination, and a shifting landscape. Lawyers and technologists from www.btah.org with experience challenging such "black box" technologies will share practical advocacy approaches and strategies across phases of design and implementation.
Elizabeth Edwards, National Health Law Program (NHeLP)
Emily Paul, Upturn

Filling the Justice Gap in Rural Places 
The challenges facing Montana are ubiquitous to many rural communities. Panelists will discuss the creative solutions they have pursued for connecting clients with pro bono and reduced rate services and discuss project ideas that can help pro bono programs deliver services to clients in rural communities. In addition, we will explore innovative ways to provide communities with reduced rate services while balancing the legal needs of our clients and the professional needs of participating attorneys.
Gillian Ellison, Montana Legal Services Association 
Ellie Webster, Montana Legal Services Association 

Leveling the Playing Field in the World of Foreclosure
This session will examine how the court can address inequities experienced by low-income individuals facing foreclosure through court sponsored settlement facilitation.  We will explore the barriers pro-se litigants face as they attempt to navigate the judicial process and what settlement facilitation can provide for these individuals through access to justice.
Honorable Erin B. O’Connell, Second Judicial District Court
Christopher Peck, Foreclosure Settlement Program
Susie Widner, Second Judicial District Court

Litigation Advocacy Through Strategic Partnership: A Post-Dobbs Case Study
This panel will highlight how non-profit organizations can strategically partner with corporate law and public relations firms to not only maximize legal capacity, but also messaging. Using the example of post-Dobbs abortion ban litigation efforts in Louisiana, litigators and communications professionals will walk through how seemingly unusual partnerships can come about, how the partnerships can be successful, and how messaging to the public is key in shaping the case as well as minds across the U.S. The panel will speak to how this particular case study can provide a model for progressive movements in reproductive rights and beyond.
Jenny Ma, Center for Reproductive Rights
Katie Niejadlik, Center for Reproductive Rights
Joanna Wright, Boies Schiller

Reimaging Intake in Alabama 
This session would discuss the yearlong journey that Legal Services Alabama (LSA) took to review our three types of intake (phone, online and office) and what we learned. LSA formed committees made up of diverse staff and learned valuable lessons which we then implemented to make intake more welcoming, simpler and more efficient.
Michael Forton, Legal Services Alabama
Holly Ray, Legal Services Alabama

Using the ABA Legal Aid Standards to Institute Best Practices and Promote Policies Advancing Advocacy 
In 2021, the ABA Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid were revised and updated to meet the issues and challenges facing legal aid organizations today. The revision process involved extensive input from the legal aid community and the participation of a large drafting team of legal aid leaders and practitioners, resulting in a fully revised document that reflects the evolution in perspectives and understandings that has occurred since the prior 2006 edition was published. Join our panel of speakers who were involved in the drafting process as they focus on how the Standards can be used to advance legal aid advocacy. The panelists will draw on their experience to address specific examples of how the Standards can be used by changemakers to persuade legislatures, courts, adversaries, and funders to make decisions that are aligned with the goal of access to justice.
Jayme Cassidy, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
Merf Ehman, Columbia Legal Services
Jim Swoyer, Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts Board

3:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Networking Break

3:45 pm - 5:15 pm 

50 Tech Tips 2023
This fast-paced, engaging session will provide tips about free and low-cost technology relevant to the access-to-justice community. This will include new mobile apps, remote work tools, web platforms, information security resources, and solutions for Windows and macOS. Panelists will also explore how emerging technologies- such as generative AI- can be applied to the justice field in fun and accessible ways. Technology leaders will emphasize practical, easy-to-use technology that helps legal professionals do their work more effectively.
David Bonebrake, Legal Services Corporation
Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net
Glenn Rawdon, Legal Services Corporation
Shellie Reid, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP)
Jane Ribadeneyra, Legal Services Corporation

Climate Change Changes Everything 
More and more, the effects of climate change are creating new challenges for the delivery of legal services to low-income and marginalized communities and legal aid staff themselves responsible for rising to meet the legal needs of our client community.  Join us as we explore some innovative approaches on a regional basis to meet the needs created by climbing temperatures, habitat changes, population migration and natural disasters. 
Janice Chiaretto, Statewide Legal Service of Connecticut
Jason Susalla, Bay Area Legal Services
Laura Tuggle, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Jacob Zarefsky, Equal Justice Works Disaster Resilience Fellow  

Cy Pres and Legal Aid: A Match Made in Justice 
Cy Pres Awards, a/k/a residual fund awards in class action cases, have long been an important source of funding for legal aid, and for good reason. Whatever the underlying subject matter, every class action case is about access to justice for a group of litigants who would have practical difficulty accessing the courts on their own. Hear the latest about the cy pres landscape, the growing number of states with rules or statutes governing these distributions, and best practices for your program.
Jennifer Bentley, Michigan State Bar Foundation
Bill Boies, McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Bob Glaves, The Chicago Bar Foundation
Jennifer M. Lechner, North Carolina Access to Justice Commission

Hot Topics in Civil Legal Aid 
This session will focus on developments at the Legal Services Corporation, the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense, and NLADA, including developments in Congress and the federal executive branch, the legal response to COVID-19, and ongoing efforts to advance racial equity in the justice system and our communities. Presenters will address these issues from their respective institutional perspectives and will engage with participants in a Q & A segment responding to their particular questions or concerns.
Ronald S. Flagg, Legal Services Corporation
Radhika Singh, NLADA
Hon. Bryant Y. Yang, ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense

How Right to Counsel Sits at the Intersection of Racial and Housing Justice 
The eviction right to counsel, enacted in 18 jurisdictions, is heavily affected by and can heavily affect the pursuit of racial justice. This panel will explore how RTC coalition building, the centering of tenant voices, rollout prioritization decisions, court response, and more are best viewed through a race equity lens.
Leah Goodridge, Mobilization for Justice
Tiffany Manuel, TheCaseMade
Rasheedah Phillips, PolicyLink
John Pollock, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel

Immigration Hot Topics 
The session will focus on recent changes and developments in substantive immigration law. It will provide attendees an in-depth look at recent policy and legal developments pertaining to immigration claims. It will address recent changes in the adjudications of humanitarian immigration claims.
Jenna Gilbert, Human Rights First
Nareeneh Sohbatian, Winston & Strawn LLP

Law Firms and Non-profits: Solving the Same Pro Bono Problems with Shared Innovations 
This talk will cover common problems faced by Pro Bono coordinators at both law firms and nonprofits, and identify common innovative solutions that can be leveraged by organizations of all kinds to solve for these shared issues.
Nicole Bradick, Theory and Principle
Ilene Hartzband, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
Harlene Katzman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

My Project Failed! ... What Do I Do Now? 
This session will guide participants through the aftermath of failure. By exploring identity theories to improve outreach/recruitment efforts, the post-mortem process, and self-care tactics, participants will gain a better understanding about why projects fail, how to rebound, and how to respond to prevent future failures.
Samantha Howell, Three Rivers Legal Services
Colleen Mullen, Legal Services of North Florida

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Affinity Groups
The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference is proud to provide a wellness space at the 2023 conference for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ attendees to connect and engage with each other. The affinity groups are a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering the success and support of our attendees. Each room has a designated community member who will serve as a point person and ensure a safe space for those who choose to participate. No registration is required; drop in as you desire.

LGBTQ+ attendees:     Dallas Ballroom D1
BIPOC attendees:         Dallas Ballroom D2

5:15 pm - 7:15 pm

NLADA Technology Section Meeting

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Friday Trivia Night
Join us for a fun evening of friendly trivia competition! Play as a team or go solo. Thank you to our Host Committee members for donating prizes.

Saturday, May 6

7:30 am - 10:00 am

Conference Registration

Exhibitor Showcase

7:30 am - 12:30 pm

Coffee Service

8:30 am - 10:00 am 

How To Improve Your Communications Strategy and Amplify Your Message 
This session will look at ways to increase your organization's media outreach, despite limited budgets and minimal staff time. We will discuss easy, effective ways to engage media about the magnitude of the justice gap and its effect on low-income families. Participants will see real world examples of identifying news cycles and how to localize national trends to garner more attention for their services and messages, as well as learn easy tips and low-cost tools to boost their messages on social media platforms.
Kathryn Fanlund, Legal Services Corporation
Carl Rauscher, Legal Services Corporation

Immigration and Public Benefits Strategies for Survivors of Domestic Violence 
This session will examine the interplay between domestic violence and public benefits, providing an overview of domestic violence legally, including CPC and other codes; U Visa elements; processing times; and immigration benefits. Panelists will discuss fee waivers and strategic filing and engage attendees in discussion of hypotheticals on U visas v. VAWA and what is the most advantageous avenue for a potential client.
Alexandra Gay, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Valerie Howell, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Julie Rivera-Coo, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

Reimagining Intake: How Coordinated Intake and Callback Scheduling Can Improve the Applicant Experience 
This session discusses two initiatives that seek to improve the applicant experience. The first, callback scheduling, can improve connection rates to over 70% while empowering applicants and saving intake staff time and frustration. The second, coordinated intake, takes the burden off clients to find the right legal aid program.
Rachel Albertson, Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Lezlie Paulus, A2J Tech
J. Singleton, Legal Services State Support

Telling Persuasive Pro Bono Stories with Respect for Clients & Their Confidentiality 
Persuasive stories help recruit pro bono attorneys, raise money, and impact public policy. Stories can also do harm if they objectify clients, reinforce stereotypes, or violate confidentiality. Participants will learn techniques for telling persuasive stories about clients, stories that respect confidentiality, uphold client dignity, and center an anti-oppression narrative.
Alicia Aiken, Danu Center for Strategic Advocacy
Maricarmen Garza, Tahirih Justice Center
Erin Kinsella, Practising Law Institute

That Was A LOT of Information. Now What? 
This session will take a deep dive into some of the core ideas of pro bono management. Panelists will guide participants through the resources for new pro bono managers and will walk participants through developing a new program, creating and evaluating policies/procedures, and sharing resources for support through the first several years in the profession.
Jessie Campbell, Lone Star Legal Aid
Samantha Howell, Three Rivers Legal Services
Sylvia Novinsky, NC Pro Bono Resource Center
Amy Petkovsek, Maryland Legal Aid 

The 4 Ds of Successful Workplace Anti-Racism Efforts (Hint: "Diversity" is Not One) 
In this highly interactive workshop, we will explore how decentralizing, delegating, and deputizing power and decentering whiteness can be used to overcome most common barriers to successful anti-racism efforts in civil legal services organizations. Come ready to get honest, open, and willing to reframe! 
Whitney Knox Lee, Southern Center for Human Rights
Milo Primeaux, Just Roots Consulting, LLC

10:30 am - 12:00

Brunch and Closing Plenary

The Inequity is Built In
When we discuss increasing access to justice, we need to acknowledge that the creation and perpetuation of racial inequities has been embedded in the very structure of the United States. From the governing structures and decisions to the roads we drive on, this inequity and its impact is at the root of many of the legal issues confronted by low-income persons today, from access to housing and employment to the loss of generational wealth. This panel will discuss examples of the ways that inequity has quite literally been built in, efforts to address the resulting marginalization, and how these affect our clients’ lives.
Margaret Kaplan, President, Housing Justice Center
Megan Kimble, Journalist and Author
Veronica P. McBeth, Senior Advisor, Office of the Administrator, Federal Transit Administration
Idalmis Vaquero, Equal Justice Works Fellow