The Pro Bono Program at the College of Law spent this week celebrating its volunteers and partner organizations with events and doing outreach for students to become involved as part of the American Bar Association’s Celebrate Pro Bono Week.
Celebrate Pro Bono Week was started by the American Bar Association in 2009 because of the increasing need for pro bono services during the economic recession and the unprecedented response of attorneys to meet this demand. Every October since, legal organizations across the country spend a week calling attention to the need for pro bono participation and thanking those who give their time year-round.
“The ABA recommends all attorneys contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono service annually,” said Darcy Meals, Assistant Director for the Center for Access to Justice. “Our goal is to get students excited about that work early with plenty of opportunities to get involved. That way, once they’re out practicing, dedicating time to service work comes naturally.”
Georgia State Law Pro Bono Week 2021
On Tuesday, program organizers held a Halloween party to chat with other students about the many opportunities available for service work and to introduce the Pro Bono Program representatives from each class.
“It’s important to get involved because there are a lot of people who don’t have access to justice or access to attorneys,” Pro Bono Program Student Director Kierra Powell said. “There are great non-profits in Atlanta who are doing this work, and we come in as students to help them make an even greater impact than they might be able to make without our assistance.”
Another focus of the week was to promote the Veteran Legal Services Pro Bono Event that’s taking place on Wednesday, November 10 at Truist Park. Students will be able to sit in on client consultations and/or serve as witnesses for will signings. Organizers say it’s a great opportunity to network with local attorneys.
“This is a really exciting opportunity because students are always looking for more ways to support veterans,” said Powell.
For more information about the Pro Bono Program’s opportunities or to sign up for the Veterans event by November 5, head to law.gsu.edu/probono.
Written by Mara Thompson