EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day is an industry-wide day of pro bono service that brings together in-house legal teams from electric and utility companies across the country to deliver critical pro bono legal assistance to underserved communities.
Led by the CPBO project, in partnership with Entergy Corporation’s legal department and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), this annual initiative champions pro bono engagement across the energy sector. Participating legal departments organize and join pro bono service and training opportunities, including efforts that are open to volunteers across companies. These events address urgent civil legal needs through a range of pro bono engagements, including direct legal services, brief advice clinics, research projects, training sessions, and longer-term representation.
EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day strengthens the culture of pro bono within the electric and utility industry while advancing access to justice for low-income and marginalized communities nationwide.
Learn more about past EmPOWERing Pro Bono Days:
2025 Highlights | 2024 Highlights | 2023 Highlights | 2022 Highlights
In 2022, leaders launched the inaugural EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day after conversations about the shared challenges facing low-income communities and the unique expertise in-house teams could contribute. Since then, electric and utility companies have joined together each November to provide pro bono legal assistance, build new partnerships, and highlight the sector’s collective commitment to expanding access to justice.
EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day is a coordinated national effort featuring diverse clinics, research projects, and training sessions. Volunteers have assisted clients with expungement and driver’s license restoration, housing and benefits matters, family safety and stability, immigration needs, and support for veterans, seniors, nonprofits, and micro-entrepreneurs. Each year, the event reflects a deepening culture of pro bono within the industry, strengthening long-term partnerships, amplifying community impact, and demonstrating how in-house legal teams can work together to advance access to justice at scale.
An annual, industry-wide day of pro bono legal service among electric and utility companies to address pressing legal needs in underserved communities.
The date of the fifth annual EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day will be announced soon. Events held within two weeks before or after also count toward participation.
Events are hosted virtually and in person in various locations.
Legal departments of electric and utility companies, often in partnership with law firms, legal services organizations, public interest groups, and community-based nonprofits. Some opportunities are open to volunteers from multiple legal departments.
To amplify the impact of pro bono work across the energy sector, collaborate with peer legal departments, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver vital legal assistance to those who need it most.
If your legal department plans to organize or participate in EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day, the CPBO project can help you get started, consider potential partners and opportunities, and connect with peer in-house pro bono leaders.
