By Christiana Teodoro, PBI Intern
Since January, budget reductions and staffing changes at the federal level have created new challenges for communities across the United States. With funding cuts to programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and equity programs, many are looking to volunteers with legal and human resources expertise for counseling. Furthermore, a recent survey of nonprofits showed that 74% of the surveyed organizations experienced increased demand for their services at the same time that 60% of the organizations had their funding cut. These conditions indicate that there is a greater need for pro bono work.
One impactful way that legal professionals can respond this month is by participating in the National Celebration of Pro Bono, also known as Pro Bono Week. Held annually in October, this initiative of the American Bar Association (ABA) unites lawyers, legal staff, and advocates nationwide to expand access to justice through pro bono service. Many bar associations, law firms, and legal departments around the United States mark the occasion by hosting their own Pro Bono Week and Pro Bono Month events.
Why Pro Bono Matters
The ABA makes clear that pro bono work is both a professional responsibility and an ethical commitment for lawyers. In other words, providing legal assistance at no cost to those who cannot otherwise afford it is not only an act of service but a core part of the profession’s identity. Moreover, the ABA uses Pro Bono Week to spotlight this responsibility, convey appreciation to volunteers, and raise awareness about unmet legal needs. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire attorneys to become active in their local communities and address the legal challenges faced by underserved groups.
Throughout the week, the ABA promotes a robust schedule of webinars, podcasts, and special events, while also encouraging local celebrations in every state.
Local Momentum: From Cleveland to California
Beyond national programming, local bar associations and legal aid organizations are hosting their own events to recruit, train, and mobilize volunteers
- Washington, DC – In the capital, the Washington Council of Lawyers and a committee of pro bono leaders, which includes Pro Bono Institute staff, organizes the annual DC Pro Bono Week, which will include a range of events, including pro bono workshops, clinics, and networking opportunities for the legal community. Volunteer opportunities will occur alongside discussions concerning the “greatest pro bono needs” in the contemporary United States. Additionally, this year’s theme, determined by the council, is “Supporting Communities”, and thus, celebrations will revolve around giving back to disadvantaged communities in need of legal aid. A highlight is “Pro Bono Goes Local”, featuring D.C. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Milton C. Lee, Jr., speaking about the most pressing pro bono needs in DC, on October 16.
- Cleveland, Ohio – In Ohio, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is celebrating with a mix of virtual and in-person events across Northeast Ohio, consisting of numerous clinics, opportunities for attorneys to learn about pro bono practice, and training through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. Notably, there will be a special reception on October 22 hosted in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, in which volunteers will be encouraged to mingle and network with others. Cleveland’s “Take A Case” campaign, launched to encourage legal volunteer efforts and aligned with the popular hashtag #TakeACase, has become a rallying call for the local legal community to increase pro bono participation.
- Maryland – The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC) is coordinating a statewide calendar of events throughout October, and they invite local bar associations and law firms to submit their own activities, which PBRC then publishes. Quickly approaching, the Resource Center’s Pro Bono Week Kick-Off Networking Event is scheduled to take place on October 16th. Entry will be free of charge, encouraging legal staff to mingle whilst learning more about pro bono opportunities in the area. Lastly, the PBRC will continue to offer free training sessions for attorneys throughout October.
- Texas – In Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid will be hosting a virtual CLE, “The Ethics of Pro Bono,” on Monday, October 20. According to the ABA, the event will address pro bono needs in Lone Star Legal Aid’s service area, shed light on the significance of pro bono legal work, and discuss a new challenge aimed at increasing pro bono service to meet the growing needs of its clients.
- California – This month, the State Bar of California’s Pro Bono Practice Program is emphasizing volunteer service ahead of the state’s mandatory pro bono reporting requirement, which is slated to begin in 2026. In an effort to increase participation in pro bono this October, the State Bar is offering free MCLE training programs and support to attorneys interested in allocating time to pro bono service, particularly for underserved and indigent communities throughout the state this month. Additionally, throughout the month, the LA Law Library will host numerous events related to pro bono open to the larger public, such as a Disaster Relief Resource Fair on October 23rd and an Eviction Defense Workshop on October 24th.
Across the nation, pro bono efforts make a tangible difference in people’s lives. These examples illustrate how legal professionals, by giving just a few hours of their time, can offer life-changing assistance that strengthens communities and restores faith in the contemporary justice system.
Looking Ahead
Since its launch in 2009, the National Celebration of Pro Bono has grown into a tradition that brings together the legal profession in a shared commitment to justice. This year, amidst funding uncertainties and increased need, the celebration takes on a renewed urgency. By donating their time, skills, and energy, lawyers can help strengthen communities, extend justice, and uphold the values at the very heart of their profession.