2024 PBCR/PLC

This session offers an overview of updates on the rapidly evolving pro bono landscape with the goal of equipping pro bono coordinators and non-profit legal services staff with insights and practical tools to better recruit and retain pro bono attorneys from small, mid-size and large-size law firms and in-house counsel to deliver free legal services to immigrants. Key topics include (a) creating campaigns that take advantage of pro bono partners eagerness to step-up and help when front-line stories focus on the legal needs of certain immigrant populations (e.g. Afghanis and Ukrainians); (b) creating pro bono opportunities that bring together in-house counsel and law firms to work together on a time-bound project and (c) creating limited engagement opportunities that provide meaningful help to immigrants (e.g. Access to Work & Citizenship initiatives). In this interactive session attorneys from Human Rights Initiative, Tahirih Justice Center and Texas Immigration Law Council will highlight insights on how we, across rural and urban landscapes, can motivate and inspire more pro bono attorneys to volunteer their time to represent immigrants on a variety of pro bono matters. The session is facilitated by Texas Immigration Law Council, a statewide legal resource and advocacy center.