On this week’s episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver tackled the issue of criminal justice debt, providing an in-depth look at how relatively small violations can have disastrous effects on the lives of low-income people. He explained how fines and fees arising from traffic and other low-level offenses, often used as a way to fund local governments without raising taxes, can trap those unable to pay in a vicious cycle of debt. Failure to pay a fine can lead to additional surcharges and fees, the suspension of one’s driver’s license, or even jail time in some cases. Furthermore,

Pro bono has become a significant part of the summer associate experience and a crucial differentiator as talented law students make decisions about their futures. Again this year, Law Firm Pro Bono Project staff members are available to speak at events for summer associates. Each summer, we participate in a number of informational programs, during which Project staff, along with firm partners, directors, managers, coordinators, associates, and pro bono committee members, discuss an array of pro bono-related topics, such as: • the relationship of pro bono to professional and skill development; • national trends in pro bono; • “hot” and

The Law Firm Pro Bono Project is still accepting Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® data for the 2014 calendar year. Time is running out, so act quickly! Reporting is easier than ever. This year, we have issued a more streamlined survey with fewer mandatory questions. Signatories need only provide information about their pro bono hours, pro bono hours provided to those of limited means, and attorney participation, although we welcome responses to the optional questions as well. We have also prepared a new, user-friendly, comprehensive FAQ to make responding straight-forward and efficient. Thank you to those who have already submitted

Are you new to the Law Firm Pro Bono Project’s Resource Clearinghouse? Could you use a refresher on what resources we have to offer? The Law Firm Pro Bono Project has released a catalog that provides a sampling of the available publications and materials. Law Firm Pro Bono Project Members recently received a copy of this new catalog in the mail. Others may contact Law Firm Pro Bono Project Assistant Eva Richardson to request a copy. The Resource Clearinghouse is a one-stop, online resource for publications, best practices, surveys, model policies, and other materials on law firm pro bono. The

Reporting season for the 2014 calendar year is now open. We have emailed unique survey links to all Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® Signatories, so be sure to check your spam filter if you did not receive the email. The deadline for reporting is February 27. This year, we have issued a more streamlined survey with fewer questions; we are only requiring that Signatories provide information about their pro bono hours, pro bono hours provided to those of limited means, and attorney participation. We have also prepared a new, user-friendly, comprehensive FAQ to make responding easy and efficient. Since 1993,

Earlier this week, The National Law Journal released its annual Pro Bono Hot List, which showcases significant and noteworthy pro bono efforts at major law firms. This year’s issue recognized 10 Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® Signatories and/or Law Firm Pro Bono Project Member Firms for their inspiring and exceptional pro bono initiatives: Arnold & Porter*† (litigating two significant voter identification cases); Chadbourne & Parke*† (providing legal help to immigrant youth fleeing Central America and Mexico); Crowell & Moring* (assisting those affected by unfair sentencing laws in clemency cases); Farella Braun + Martel* (defending a gun safety ordinance in state