2024 PBCR/PLC

This session equips our pro bono teams to create pro bono projects and practices that help pro bono attorneys identify and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers to effectively deliver pro bono services to help immigrants. Texas is home to many low-income immigrants from many different nationalities and cultures. Yes, many pro bono attorneys have little experience working through interpreters and are hesitant to represent non-English speakers from diverse cultures on pro bono matters. Attorneys from three Texas’ pro bono programs, ProBAR, Human Rights Initiative and Tahirih Justice Center will share what approaches their pro bono programs are using to encourage and support pro bono attorneys to represent non-English speakers, using tools, program supports, and training modules to help pro bono attorneys overcome common linguistic and cultural barriers that impede communication and effective representation. Participants will engage in an interactive session to discuss the do’s and do-nots when it comes to using non-professional interpreters. We will also dive into conversations of what practices pro bono teams can use to facilitate an effective first attorney/ client meeting.