The Pennsylvania Bar Association has resolved to designate the last week of every October as Pennsylvania Pro Bono Week, and the PBA Board of Governors has directed that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the governor of Pennsylvania, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the General Assembly asking that they officially acknowledge Pennsylvania Pro Bono Week each year. This year Pennsylvania Pro Bono Week will be celebrated the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 23, in conjunction with the American Bar Association celebration of National Pro Bono Week. See the list of scheduled events below.
Shown above in state Rep. Bryan Cutler's office before Cutler moved the resolution on Pro Bono Week before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are, from left, Samuel W. Milkes, executive director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network; Jennifer Brown-Sweeney, PBA legislative counsel; Rep. Cutler (R, Lancaster); Sandy Ballard, Dauphin County Bar Association public interest coordinator; and David Trevaskis, PBA pro bono coordinator. Listen to Rep. Cutler's remarks on the House resolution at http://av.pasenategop.com/yaw/2016/1016/probono.mp3 and read the 2016 Pro Bono Week resolutions from the state House of Representatives and state Senate and the Governor's Office proclamation.
Philadelphia, Sept. 26 through Nov. 4
Members of the Philadelphia legal community are invited to participate in the following pro bono recruitment, recognition and training events that will be held during October 2016 to commemorate the National Pro Bono Celebration, a coordinated national celebration held during the week of Oct. 23-29 to encourage efforts to expand the delivery of pro bono legal services.
Sept. 26 through Oct. 14, interactive Pro Bono Road Shows will be held at law firms and corporations in Center City to highlight pro bono opportunities available at Philadelphia public interest legal services organizations. To schedule a road show at your office, contact Jodi Schatz at [email protected].
Oct. 24- 28, or any day selected from now through Nov. 4, the Philly Jeans for Justice Campaign will be held at participating workplaces throughout Philadelphia. This "Go Casual Day" benefits legal aid nonprofits funded by the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. Employees at participating offices donate $5 or more to wear blue jeans (or skirts) or participate in a donation-driven office activity. Offices that raise the most and/or have the most participants will receive a special prize. Registration deadline is Oct. 21. To register your office and receive a planning packet, click here or contact Adrienne Brown at 215-238-6322 or [email protected].
Oct. 24, Philadelphia VIP, in partnership with the Philadelphia Bar Association, will present "Philadelphia VIP Pro Bono Opportunities Day: Navigating the Ethical Issues in Pro Bono Service," from 8:30 - 11 a.m. (continental breakfast and registration begin at 8 a.m.), at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor Conference Center.
Oct. 24, the SeniorLAW Center will provide a training program, "Providing Legal Services Through the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline," from 12 - 2 p.m., at Morgan Lewis, 1701 Market St., Philadelphia. Volunteers will be trained to provide legal advice, information and referrals to seniors who call the PA SeniorLAW HelpLine. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance. Register by contacting Joanna Jarzebowska at [email protected].
Oct. 26, the Support Center for Child Advocates will present "How to Handle a Child Abuse Case," from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Become a Child Advocates Volunteer Attorney. Join us for this volunteer workshop and learn from dedicated experts in the field of child advocacy how you can make a difference in the lives of child victims. To register online, visit http://sccalaw.org/takeastand.
Oct. 27, the Board Observer Program will present "Nuts and Bolts of Nonprofit Board Service," from 12:30 - 2 p.m. (lunch and registration begin at 12 p.m.), at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St.,11th Floor Conference Center. This program will provide attorneys interested in serving on a nonprofit board with an introduction to the role of a board of directors and the laws governing nonprofits, including charitable issues raised under state and federal laws. After the first hour, a moderated panel will share their experiences and give guidance to those who are interested in joining a nonprofit board.
Oct. 27, the First Judicial District (FJD) of Pennsylvania will host the 2016 Pro Bono Publico Awards and Roll of Honor Reception (by invitation only) from 4 - 6 p.m., at City Hall. The awards are provided to attorneys who performed pro bono services in the FJD courts from Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 23, 2016. For more information, visit www.courts.phila.gov/probonoawards.
Pro Bono Opportunities in Dauphin County During 2016 Pro Bono Week, Oct. 17-28
Including Oct. 17 at 9:45 a.m., custody conference; Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m., pre-trial custody conference; Oct. 28 at 1:45 p.m., custody conference. Get more information.
Sixth Annual Judicial, Government and Public Interest Law Reception, Pittsburgh, Oct. 18
Public interest and pro bono attorneys will be on hand to talk with students from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Duquesne University School of Law at the annual Judicial, Government and Public Interest Law Reception at the Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom, 5-7 p.m. Students at Pitt and Duquesne law schools are encouraged to attend and network with attorneys while celebrating the bench and the public interest bar. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres with colleagues while networking and celebrating the bench and the public interest bar. Share with students interested in careers in the judiciary, government, and public interest law about clerkships, externships, pro bono initiatives, and other opportunities in our region.
Allegheny County Bar Foundation Fellows Reception, Oct. 20
The Board of Trustees and Fellows Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation host a Fellows Reception on Oct. 20, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Hotel Monaco, Pittsburgh. The evening celebrates the members of the ACBF Fellows Program, including induction of the fellows class of 2016, presentation of the 2016 Pro Bono Achievement Awards and comments by fellows grant recipients who are making an impact in the community. Cost: $25 for fellows; $40 for non-fellows. Newly inducted fellows, awards winners and their nominators will be offered complimentary tickets. For more information, contact Erin Rhodes at [email protected] or 412-402-6641.
The Art of Representing a Child in the Legal Arena, Oct. 21
The Montgomery Child Advocacy Project and the Montgomery Bar Association are offering a CLE program entitled The Art of Representing a Child in the Legal Arena on Oct. 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Bar Association CLE Room. This program is for any lawyer with the desire to represent children. Although litigation and family law experience are a plus, it is not necessary. MCAP advocates are lawyers with diverse backgrounds including real estate, corporate, family law, criminal law, retired lawyers and stay at home parents. Attend this dynamic seminar training lawyers to serve as guardians ad litem and legal counsel for children; presentations by the experts in the family law, juvenile law, dependency and criminal law; interact with the various entities who interact with children in the legal and social service arenas; by completing this training, you will be prepared to serve as a child advocate in Montgomery County. $50 for MBA members; $150 for non-members who agree to accept an MCAP case within a year of the CLE. Rates without contract: $225 for MBA members; $295 for non-members.
Criminal Record Relief Expungement and the New Limited Access Law (Norristown), Oct. 24
This program will cover both expungement law and procedure and Pa's new limited access law, coming into effect November 2016. Pennsylvania's expungement statute, rules and key cases, and the procedure in Montgomery County will be explained and insight will be offered into what the District Attorney's Office considers when deciding whether to oppose or join an expungement petition. Get more information.
Criminal Record Relief Expungement and Pa's New Limited Access Law, Oct. 24
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA and the Montgomery Bar Association will be presenting a CLE program entitled Criminal Record Relief Expungement and Pa's New Limited Access Law on Oct. 24, 2-3 p.m. in the Montgomery Bar Association CLE Room. This program will cover both expungement law and procedure and Pa's new limited access law, coming into effect November 2016. Pennsylvania's expungement statute, rules and key cases, and the procedure in Montgomery County will be explained and insight will be offered into what the District Attorney's Office considers when deciding whether to oppose or join an expungement petition. This CLE is free to attorneys provided the attorney agrees to accept at least one pro bono client through Legal Aid of Southeastern PA.
Pro Bono Week Event Features Awards Presentations, Oct. 24, 2016
Pictured below at left David K. Trevaskis, PBA pro bono coordinator, and Michael E. Kelley, staff attorney with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, speak before a group of Montgomery County lawyers at the Oct. 24 Pro Bono Week celebration and expungement CLE at Montgomery Bar Association headquarters, Norristown. As shown below right, Trevaskis and Kelley also presented 2016 PBA Pro Bono Awards to Aetna attorneys Alan K. Maesaka (next to Trevaskis) and Justin V. Czubaroff. Trevaskis thanked the attorneys for their commitment to those in need, and Kelley noted, "Our Aetna volunteers have consistently come to help our clients directly during walk-intake hours with little to no recognition outside our office. They are a constant and welcome presence in our office, effectively counseling applicants and triaging those with emergency situations."
Raise a Glass to Justice Fundraiser for North Penn Legal Services, Oct. 24
The Raise a Glass to Justice Fundraiser benefitting North Penn Legal Services will be held 6-9 p.m. at the Top Cut Steak House, Center Valley.
SeniorLAW Center Training: Providing Legal Services through the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine, Philadelphia, Oct. 24
Noon-2 p.m. at Morgan Lewis, 1701 Market St. Volunteers will be trained to provide legal advice, information and referrals to seniors across Pennsylvania who call the PA SeniorLAW HelpLine with civil legal issues. Lunch provided for those who register in advance. Register with Joanna Jarzebowska at [email protected].
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Pittsburgh, Oct. 24
Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Rivers Club. The Public Service Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association will thank and recognize volunteers who provided pro bono services to low-income clients in the past year through Pro Bono Center member organizations and projects. This event is free to Pro Bono Center volunteers. Join us for a fun, interactive, buffet lunch. No long speeches, just an opportunity to celebrate with fellow volunteers, recognize the winners of the 2016 Pro Bono Achievement Awards, and discover new opportunities to give back. Plus door prizes! RSVP by Oct. 17 at http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/00f0129c9261884ce0c5.
Philly Jeans for Justice, Oct. 24-28
The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is sponsoring the 2016 Philly Jeans for Justice campaign during Celebrate Pro Bono week, Oct. 24-28, 2016. What? Lawyers and other staff "buy" the privilege to wear blue jeans (or skirts) at work for one day. Or your office team can decide to wear sports jerseys, hats from your alma mater, Halloween costumes, groovy sneakers, etc. When? Pro Bono Week or any other day between now and the last day to participate, Friday, Nov. 4. Where? Your law firm, legal department, or law-related business. Why? Raise crucial funding to support the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and its grants and other assistance to a wide range of legal aid nonprofits in Philly. It's really easy to participate! Follow the simple steps at this link to sign up individually or to form an Office Team: http://philabarfoundation.org/2016-philly-jeans-justice. If you have questions, check out the 2016 Philly Jeans for Justice FAQ or contact Adrienne Brown, Marketing & Development Coordinator, 215-238-6322 or [email protected].
CLE Seminar - Pro Bono Celebration, Berks County, Tuesday, Oct. 25
The Berks County Bar Association will be holding its CLE Seminar - Pro Bono Celebration from 12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at The Inn at Reading, 1040 N. Park Rd., Wyomissing. This event is only available to registered bar association members. Program agenda: Luncheon; seminars on expungement and pro bono ethics. Reception to start at 4 p.m.
Friends of Farmworkers Fall 2016 Fundraiser, Oct. 25, 2016
Location: Tequilas Restaurant, Philadelphia. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.friendsfw.org/support-our-work/fall-2016-fundraiser/2016-event-sponsorship/. Get more information on the PAProbono.net website.
New Expungement Statute and Recent Amendment to Permit Sealing of Criminal Records, Oct. 25
3:30 p.m.; Delaware County Bar Association Auditorium, 335 West Front Street, Media. Contact: Nancy Ravert Ward, [email protected], 610-566-6625, ext. 222. Reception for pro bono volunteers to follow.
Criminal Record Relief: Expungement and Limited Access (Doylestown), Oct. 26, 2016
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA and the Bucks County Bar Association will be presenting a CLE program entitled Criminal Record Relief at the Bucks County Bar Association. This one-credit CLE will cover both expungement law and procedure and the state’s new limited-access law coming into effect in November. Get more information on the PAProbono.net website.
Pro Bono Reception, Bucks County, Wednesday, Oct. 26
The Bucks County Bar Association will be holding a Pro Bono Reception at 4 p.m. at the Bucks County Bar Association, 135 E. State Street, Doylestown. For more information about this event, contact Kelly Neff at [email protected] or by telephone at 215-348-9413.
'How to Handle a Child Abuse Case' Program in Philadelphia, Oct. 26
The Support Center for Child Advocates and Pennsylvania Bar Institute will be holding a program titled “How to Handle a Child Abuse Case” on Oct. 26, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., at the PBI CLE Conference Center in Philadelphia. Get more information.
PMC Annual Benefit: An Evening with Michael Smerconish, Philadelphia, Oct. 26
6-8:30 p.m. at the College of Physicians, Philadelphia. Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is thrilled to welcome Michael Smerconish as the keynote speaker at our 2016 Annual Benefit. Smerconish is the host of “The Michael Smerconish Program” on Sirius XM Channel 124, the host of CNN's Saturday morning news program “Smerconish,” a newspaper columnist and best-selling author. Cocktails and light fare will be served.
8th Annual Fundraiser Gala for Lackawanna Pro Bono, Oct. 27
The 8th Annual Fundraiser Gala for Lackawanna Pro Bono will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center Ballroom. The event supports Lackawanna Pro Bono’s efforts to serve the legal needs of impoverished individuals and families and will honor the following local pro bono supporters: Susan S. Belin of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania and lawyers Melinda C. Ghilardi and Sidney J. Prejean. Tickets: $150. Program book ad opportunities: from $100 to $5,000. More information available by calling Lackawanna Pro Bono, 570-961-2714.
Board Observer Program: Nuts & Bolts of Nonprofit Board Service, Philadelphia, Oct. 27
12:30-2 p.m. Lunch and registration begin at noon. Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market St., 11th Floor Conference Center. This program will provide attorneys interested in serving on a nonprofit board with an introduction to the role of a Board of Directors and the laws governing nonprofits, including charitable issues raised under state and federal laws. After the first hour, a moderated panel will share their experiences and give guidance to those who are interested in joining a nonprofit board. After the 1-hour CLE, a panel of Executive Directors and Board members of charitable organizations, will share their experiences and give guidance to those who are interested in joining a nonprofit board.
First Judicial District 2016 Pro Bono Publico Awards & Roll of Honor Reception (by invitation only), Philadelphia, Oct. 27
4-6 p.m. at Philadelphia City Hall. The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) will recognize and honor its 2016 Roll of Honor for Pro Bono Service. Attorneys who performed pro bono services in the FJD courts from Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 23, 2016, are eligible. Honorees were selected from previously submitted nominations. Attendance at the reception is by invitation only.
Legal Clinic for the Disabled 13th Annual Fall Celebration, Oct. 27, 2016
Location: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), 118-128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia. This annual fundraiser helps LCD continue the work they do by providing free legal representation to low-income people with physical disabilities in the Philadelphia region to help them overcome legal obstacles that would otherwise affect their independence, health or quality of life. Get more information on the PAProbono.net website.
Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, Oct. 27
4:30-6 p.m., Reed Smith. The meeting will feature a presentation by Dr. Jim Withers regarding the work of Operation Safety Net (OSN), which provides men and women living on the streets in Pittsburgh with access to health care, hope, and dignity. Dr. Withers will also discuss the collaboration between OSN and the Partnership’s H.E.L.P. Project, which provides pro bono legal services to clients of OSN.
Access to Justice Pro Bono CLE Seminar, Oct. 28
The Chester County Bar Association will be holding an Access to Justice Pro Bono CLE Seminar on Oct. 28 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Chester County Bar Association, 15 W. Gay Street, 2nd Floor, West Chester. The program will offer three substantive and one ethics Pennsylvania CLE credits. You must take at least one pro bono case in order to attend this seminar. For more information, please contact Emily Kollhoff at the CCBA, 610-692-1889 or [email protected].
Boo! at bahdeebahdu, Oct. 28, 2016
AIDS Law Project's Annual Halloween Party 3rd Annual Boo! at bahdeebahdu: Celebrities Edition; the two-part event at bahdeebahdu (1522 N American Street) features a catered dinner with fine wine and live performances, followed by a dance party. Get more information on the PAProbono.net website.
Expunging and Sealing Criminal Records to Remove Employment and Housing Barriers – CLE, Pittsburgh, Oct. 28
Noon- 1:30 p.m., Koppers Building, 9th Floor. Many Pennsylvanians are caught in a vicious cycle of dreams deferred based upon past criminal offenses. Because of their criminal record they face barriers to enable them to secure viable employment, safe and secure housing, or federal student loans for advanced educational opportunities. Learn about how the Pennsylvania expungement and new sealing laws may serve as a tool to assist individuals with reentry, restoration, and a reduction of recidivism. This training is free to attorneys who volunteer at the city-wide expungement clinic on Nov. 14 or who take a pro bono expungement case from a legal aid program within one year. Regular ACBA rates apply to non-volunteers.
Jeans for Justice Day, Pittsburgh, Oct. 28
The Pro Bono Center of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation invites you to Celebrate Pro Bono Week by holding a casual Friday to benefit the Pro Bono Center and its programs, which match volunteer attorneys with low-income individuals in desperate need of legal help. Here’s how it works: Employees of participating law firms and corporate legal departments make a small donation ($5, $10, etc.) for the right to dress in casual attire for the day instead of traditional business wear. Each office collects the donations from employees and submits the donations to the bar foundation. Don't miss out! To let us know that your firm or legal department will include Jeans for Justice in its fall plans, contact Barbara Griffin at [email protected] or 412-402-6622.
Free Child and Spousal Support Clinic (Philadelphia), Oct. 28
Philadelphia Legal Assistance is offering a free child and spousal support clinic on Oct. 28 in Center City Philadelphia. Low-income individuals with upcoming support conferences will have an opportunity to receive advice about child support and spousal support from volunteer lawyers. This opportunity is open only to people who are trying to get support ("Plaintiffs"). Defendants in support actions should contact the Lawyer Referral and Information Service in Philadelphia at 215-238-6333 for a referral to an attorney. Helpful information is also available online at www.PALawHelp.org. Get more information.