Oct. 21, 2009 – Take part in National Pro Bono Celebration activities, Oct. 25-31, to recognize the service that so many lawyers provide for the public good.
The first annual National Pro Bono Celebration, sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, is a coordinated effort to demonstrate the important difference that lawyers’ pro bono activities make to the country, our justice system, and the individuals whose lives are made better by these efforts.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is helping to sponsor this celebration and to support related events in Wisconsin. At the State Bar’s request, Gov. Jim Doyle has issued a proclamation designating the last week in October 2009 as Pro Bono Week in Wisconsin to recognize the contributions made by volunteer attorneys.
Nominations due Jan. 8 for State Bar pro bono awards
 The State Bar’s Legal Assistance Committee annually recognizes attorneys or organizations for their outstanding pro bono service. These awards may be given to honor private, government, or corporate practice attorneys; private law firms; and bar associations for their efforts.
The awards will be presented at the Volunteer Lawyers Recognition Celebration, which will be held during the 2010 State Bar Annual Convention in Madison, May 5 - 7. Nominations are due by Jan. 8. For more information contact Pro Bono coordinator Jeff Brown by email or phone (800) 444-9404, ext. 6177, or (608) 250-6177. |
The Milwaukee Bar Association (MBA) is presenting its first pro bono awards to local attorneys as part of the MBA’s Annual State of the Courts luncheon today. Also later today, the MBA’s Legal Services to the Indigent Committee and the Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association are hosting a reception at the MBA for young and new lawyers to give them a chance to network and learn more about the many options available for pro bono service.
On Friday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. there will be a reception in the Milwaukee County Courthouse will celebrate the launching a new Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic to be staffed by volunteer lawyers and law students as part of the Milwaukee Justice Center. Marquette University Law School is also partnering with the Coalition for Access to Legal Resources to host a pro bono luncheon on Oct. 29 at the law school for law students, volunteers, and legal aid agencies.
At the State Bar, attorneys on staff will volunteer to participate in a special Hotline service for the Lawyer Referral & Information Service. The State Bar also will extend a special offer for OnDemand CLE to active volunteers with a variety of pro bono programs around the state.
There are several national events that are also open to bar members. West and the ABA Section of Taxation are offering, Helping Charities via Pro Bono: How to “Do It” Without Harm, a free webcast on Oct. 26, from 12 – 1:30 p.m (CDT).
On Oct. 29, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. (CDT), the ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference’s popular session, “Pro bono In 90 Minutes or Less,” will be offered as a free Webcast. Registration is required, contact Helenka@GDVLP.org.
These are just some of the events being planned. Visit the State Bar’s pro bono calendar for the most up-to-date information.
