In 2005, the Pro Bono Institute launched the Second Acts Project^SM (i.e., second acts in the lawyering lives of experienced attorneys) to facilitate institutional support for transitioning and retired attorneys who contribute significant time, skills, and experience to help public interest organizations meet the complex legal needs of low-income and underserved communities. Working with the Institute’s core constituencies – major law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations – the project’s objectives are as follows:

• Develop a clear understanding of the benefits and obstacles to second, volunteer careers for transitioning and retired attorneys, and develop strategies to raise awareness, create support, and address obstacles within law firms, legal departments, and public interest organizations;

• Support, evaluate, and replicate quality and effective pro bono models which can engage substantial numbers of transitioning and retired attorneys in second, volunteer careers in public service.

To date, the Institute has made important progress on the Second Acts Project^SM:

• Completed “The Results of the Pro Bono Institute Firm Survey on the Viability of a ‘Second Acts’^SM Program to Transition Attorneys to Retirement through Pro Bono Work,” with Professors Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt, of the Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington, and Marc Galanter, of the University of Wisconsin Law School. To obtain a copy of the study, please email your request to Second Acts^SM.

• Obtained support to fund Second Acts^SM Pro Bono Pilot Projects to launch in 2008. To obtain a copy of “Information and Application Instructions for Pilot Projects,” please click on the following document.

Information and Application Instructions for Pilot Projects - Word version

Information and Application Instructions for Pilot Projects - PDF version

A brief document describing the Second Acts Project^SM and the grant application process and requirements for Second Acts^SM funding may be obtained by clicking here.

UPDATE: Second Acts^SM Funding - April Conference Calls

The Pro Bono Institute will be hosting two informational conference calls in April to review key information and answer questions about our Second Acts^SM Funding Application for organizations interested in applying for funding.

The one-hour calls will take place on April 17th and 24th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific). PBI staff members will answer questions and provide technical assistance for organizations on project goals and development, eligibility concerns, budget development and general application assistance.

To participate in a call, please contact Benjamin Bay by email at secondacts@probonoinst.org or by phone at (202) 662-4245, to register and receive dial-in instructions.

For more information about the Institute's "Second Acts" project, contact Ben Bay, Project Assistant at secondacts@probonoinst.org.