ABA Celebration of Pro Bono focuses on the future in a post-pandemic world

Lawyers and law firms across the country are participating in volunteer events as part of the National Celebration of Pro Bono, which runs October 24-30. This year, American Bar Association President Reginald Turner is highlighting the need for legal assistance as the demand for access to justice in a post-pandemic continues to rise.

“As we look to emerge from the pandemic, access to justice for those in need is more vital than ever,” said Turner. “Millions are vulnerable to eviction, unemployment, bankruptcy and other legal challenges. The need for pro bono programs and the selfless attorneys who step up is tremendous. Together we will make a difference and recognize the power of pro bono.”

The National Celebration of Pro Bono began in 2009 to showcase the difference that pro bono lawyers can make to our nation, to our system of justice, to our communities and most of all to the clients they serve. In the 13 years since, more than 10,000 events have taken place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.

In recent years, the national celebration has focused on specific themes, including COVID-19, domestic violence, service to veterans and disaster resiliency.

This year’s theme is Moving Forward in a Post-Pandemic World.

Among the wide-ranging events being held are:

• On October 25 from 2 to 4 p.m., Lone Star Legal Aid will host a legal advice phone clinic for people in Lamar, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Morris, Red River and Titus counties in Texas.

• On October 26 the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will hold a debt collections ask-a-lawyer program from 10 a.m. to noon.

• On October 27 from 3 to 7 p.m., Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida will host a virtual walk-in clinic to offer legal advice on expungement, bankruptcy, family, housing and guardian issues.

• On October 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the South Carolina State Bar and the Spartanburg Public Library will host a free legal clinic on end-of life-issues.

• On October 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Washington Council of Lawyers will hold a virtual veterans legal advice clinic.

To view more pro bono events happening around the country, visit www.probono.net/celebrateprobono.

Also held during the National Celebration of Pro Bono is ABA Giving Day on Thursday, October 28 (https://givingday.americanbar.org).

Organized by the ABA Fund for Justice and Education, Giving Day focuses on raising attention and support for 16 areas of the American Bar Association that help others through public service, policy and education programs.