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Why AI for Pro Bono: A PBI Pre-Conference Preview

February 3, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are revolutionizing industries around the globe. The legal profession is no different. While there are existing and developing ethical considerations around AI, it remains important for attorneys to invest in learning about emerging technologies and consider their ability to further the impact of their work. AI’s transformative potential is particularly relevant to pro bono legal services. From automating document review to deploying chatbots for client support, AI can empower pro bono programs to reach more people and provide faster, more efficient services, expanding access to justice. The PBI AI + Pro Bono Pre-Conference coming

The Transformative Impact of the Transgender Name Change Project

January 29, 2025

PBI Signatory Showcase Interview with Quarles & Brady LLP*† The Transgender Name Change Project, a partnership between Quarles & Brady LLP, the Milwaukee (MKE) LGBT Community Center, and Legal Action of Wisconsin, assists transgender and gender non-conforming individuals with legal name changes and updating gender markers on official documents. For this Signatory Showcase, we spoke with Jack Iwrey, General Corporate and Transactional Counsel at Quarles & Brady, about this partnership. Please tell us about this project. The Transgender Name Change Project is a collaborative project between the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Legal Action of Wisconsin, and Quarles & Brady. The

Five Trends for In-House Pro Bono in 2025

January 23, 2025

Alyssa Saunders, Director, Corporate Pro Bono The 2024 Benchmarking Report by Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO) highlighted several key trends shaping in-house pro bono programs. This report, based on legal departments’ responses to CPBO’s biennial survey, provides key insights into the structure and substance of in-house pro bono programs. Here are five trends that emerged in the report, that we expect will continue to shape pro bono in 2025. Increased Institutional Commitment A rising percentage of legal departments that do pro bono are adopting formal pro bono policies. In 2024, 72% of respondents reported having a written pro bono policy, up

Celebrating 30 Years of the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge Initiative

December 17, 2024

Sarah Lahlou-Amine, Director, Law Firm Pro Bono Project As we approach 2025, we are thrilled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® initiative! This milestone marks three decades of unwavering commitment by law firms to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. Background on the Challenge Launched in 1993, implemented in 1995, and administered by the Law Firm Pro Bono Project at PBI, the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge initiative is a unique, aspirational standard developed by law firm leaders and corporate general counsel. The Challenge encourages major law firms to dedicate a

NHLC and Alston & Bird Make Legal Resources Accessible for Unhoused Youth

December 11, 2024

This blog post is part of a series spotlighting nonprofit organizations and the pro bono collaborations that help extend the impact of their work. Catherine Titzer, PBI Intern Navigating the complexities of state laws regarding mental health coverage and consent to treatment is particularly challenging for unhoused youth and young adults, who are among the most in need of mental health resources. To address this issue, the National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC) and pro bono attorneys at Alston & Bird*†, a Pro Bono Institute Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® signatory, partnered to create Access to Mental Health Treatment: Unhoused Youth and

Supporting Underserved Communities by Creating a Model for Success

November 20, 2024

PBI Signatory Showcase Interview with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Allianz Life commits to pro bono through partnerships with nonprofits, such as Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, the Minnesota Elder Justice Center, and LegalCORPS. They offer critical legal services to underserved communities, including estate-planning assistance for low-income seniors, preparing health care directives, and offering legal advice for small businesses and nonprofits. For our latest Signatory Showcase, we interviewed Jeff Mason, Associate General Counsel and Senior Counsel – Litigation and Regulatory, at Allianz Life about this program and how it not only provides essential support to vulnerable populations but

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Domestic Violence in Indigenous Communities

November 1, 2024

Catherine Titzer, PBI Intern As Domestic Violence Awareness Month concludes, it remains crucial to address the pressing issue of domestic violence in Indigenous communities and the barriers that sustain it. Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women face disproportionately high rates of violence, compounded by significant challenges in accessing support services, including legal assistance. The POWER Act, a federal law, promotes pro bono legal services as a crucial means of empowering survivors of gender-based violence, helping to provide the resources necessary for healing. Fostering collaboration and prioritizing culturally relevant support through pro bono efforts can work towards creating safer,

Driving Change: The Chief Legal Officer’s Perspective on Innovation and Pro Bono

October 11, 2024

At the 2024 Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO), PBI’s global project committed to enhancing in-house pro bono, hosted an engaging session on Driving Change: The Chief Legal Officer’s View on Innovation and Pro Bono. Moderated by Alyssa Saunders, Director, CPBO, the session featured insights from two prominent in-house pro bono leaders: Gayle E. Littleton, Chief Legal Officer of Exelon Corporation,** and Bimal Patel, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of PayPal. The panel attracted a diverse audience from legal departments of various sizes, with many senior leaders present, including

Exploring Nonlawyer Providers to Enhance Access to Justice in DC

October 10, 2024

Erin Palmer, Associate Director, Corporate Pro Bono In a significant development aimed at closing the access to justice gap, DC Courts are considering proposals to allow trained nonlawyers to provide legal assistance to residents facing civil legal challenges. This initiative aligns with similar efforts in multiple states, including Texas, where licensing of paraprofessionals and court-access assistants is being pursued as a means to better serve low-income individuals. Unlocking Legal Access A staggering 75-97% of people involved in certain civil cases in DC do not have legal representation, often due to high costs or a lack of available resources. Thousands of

Energize and Celebrate Your Pro Bono Programs During Pro Bono Week This October

October 2, 2024

By Alyssa Saunders, Director, Corporate Pro Bono Pro Bono Week is the perfect time to infuse energy and inspiration into your pro bono efforts. The National Celebration of Pro Bono, held every October since 2009, encourages lawyers and legal staff to participate in and celebrate the delivery of pro bono legal services. Pro Bono Week is also an excellent opportunity for law firms and legal departments to reflect annually on their commitment to serving underrepresented communities, by taking stock of pro bono programs, reinvigorating ongoing efforts, launching new signature projects or collaborations, and engaging new volunteers. Why Pro Bono Week