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Thursday, May 14
 

10:00am EDT

AI Injustice as a New Frontier for Lawyer-Organizer Advocacy Models
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 3
The access-to-justice world has long found community organizing too unfamiliar or risky to integrate fully into lawyer-dominated change-making strategies. But, the present injustices our client communities face call for bold, collective action beyond what lawsuits alone can win. Using leading edge advocacy against AI-related injustices as a backdrop, this session will explore the ways that organizations can integrate lawyering and organizing in advocacy campaigns to secure lasting social change for low-income communities.
Speakers
SG

Susan Garcia Nofi

Senior Attorney, TechTonic Justice
Susan Garcia Nofi is a Senior Attorney at TechTonic Justice. She spent most of her career as a frontline legal aid attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Central West Justice Center (MA) and New Haven Legal Assistance (CT), where she also served as Deputy Director and Executive Director... Read More →
AR

Andrea Reyes

Sr. Organizing Strategist, TechTonic Justice
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 3
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Belonging Against the Backdrop: Reimagining DEI in Legal Aid
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 1
As anti-DEI sentiment continues, sustaining equity work in legal aid is both difficult and necessary. This session examines what it means to continue this work and why a strong DEI programmatic integration remains essential to justice-centered missions. We’ll discuss research-backed benefits of a strong DEI climate—including strategies to increase sense of belonging, staff retention, and long-term organizational health.
Speakers
KH

Kiara Hunt

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Kiara Hunt (they/them) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO). They hold bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology and are currently a PhD student in Psychology at Oregon State University, where their research centers on liberatory... Read More →
RJ
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 1
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Bringing Home the Crisis in Legal Aid Funding
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 6
Legal Services Alabama, in partnership with the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program, presented a mini legal aid simulation at the state bar annual meeting. While the activity took less than 30 minutes, participants left with an understanding of how difficult it can be to obtain civil legal assistance, how the difficulty is increasing due to funding cuts, and how attorneys can step up to help. This session will be a roadmap to creating such a simulation and a discussion about how interactive experiences such as this can result in a deeper understanding and desire to help.
Speakers
LS

Lisa Singer

Pro Bono Manager, Legal Services Alabama
Lisa Singer is the Pro Bono Manager for Legal Services Alabama (LSA), the only LSC grantee in the state of Alabama. A practicing attorney for over 30 years, Lisa spent the bulk of her career in private practice, primarily doing commercial litigation and insurance coverage work. Immediately... Read More →
HA
avatar for Felecia Pettway

Felecia Pettway

Director of Development, Legal Services Alabama
Felecia Zigler Pettway joined LSA in April 2017 as a Managing Attorney of the Selma Office; during her tenure as managing attorney, she successfully increased the office presence and caseload by 300%, representing clients in public benefits, housing, consumer protection, education... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 6
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Building the Pipeline: Cultivating Pro Bono Leadership Across Career Stages
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina D&E
This dynamic session will explore how legal aid organizations, law schools, and law firms can collaborate to embed pro bono across all career stages—from law students to young lawyers to experienced practitioners. Panelists will share strategies for engagement, mentorship, and developing pro bono leaders. Breakout sessions will offer participants the opportunity to experiment with the design of models that maximize engagement and contribute to a thriving pro bono future.
Speakers
SL

Sarah Lahlou-Amine

Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Sarah Lahlou-Amine is a Shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney's DC office and proudly serves on the firm's Pro Bono Committee. Practicing in both Florida and DC, Sarah is a seasoned appellate specialist who has litigated hundreds of matters in state and federal appellate courts... Read More →
JH

Jeffrey Harvey

CEO, Community Legal Services
Jeff was appointed to the Chief Executive Officer position in April 2020 but is no stranger to leadership or public service.

He graduated from Boston College in 2001 with his BA in Political Science and Theology. After college, Jeff was commissioned as an officer in the US Army where he completed training as a Ranger. While in the Army, Jeff completed his Master’s in Human Development and Leadership... Read More →
SN

Sylvia Novinsky

Director, NC Pro Bono Resource Center, NC Equal Access to Justice Commission
Sylvia K. Novinsky

Director, NC Pro Bono Resource Center

Equal Access to Justice Commission



Bio:



Sylvia K. Novinsky is the director of the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, a program of theNorth Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission. She has been in this role since 2016... Read More →
EE
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina D&E
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Finding the Story in the Numbers: Turning Court Data into Action
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Governers 1&2
Data has the power to expose inequities—but too often, the numbers we need are buried in messy, incomplete, or confusing records, or are missing altogether. This session uses research on court fines and fees to show how advocates can turn fragmented or missing data into persuasive stories to drive systemic change. Participants will learn practical strategies for requesting, collecting, and interpreting datasets, overcoming reporting gaps, and translating findings into narratives that strengthen advocacy.
Speakers
TP

Tanisha Pierrette

Senior Research Analyst, Fines and Fees Justice Center
Tanisha Pierrette is a Senior Research Analyst at the Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC), where she specializes in analyzing trends to help drive meaningful reform in the criminal legal system. She supports advocates and policymakers by providing tailored research on court-imposed... Read More →
LP

Lillian Patil

Senior Analyst, State and Local Budgets, Fines and Fees Justice Center
Lillian Patil is a Senior Analyst, State & Local Budgets at the Fines and Fees Justice Center. As part of the policy and research team, she brings a budget and public finance lens to FFJC’s efforts at the national, state, and local levels, working with advocates, policy makers... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Governers 1&2
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Hot Topics in Civil Legal Aid
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina A
This session will focus on developments at the Legal Services Corporation, the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense, and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association. Presenters will address these issues from their respective institutional perspectives, with discussion of developments in Congress and the federal executive branch and updates on issues and initiatives facing the legal profession and the equal justice community, including policies and practices, funding, and critical programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Vail

Jason Vail

Legal Services Division Director, American Bar Association
Jason T. Vail is the Director of the American Bar Association (ABA) Division for Legal Services, where he leads the Division’s mission to expand access to justice for all persons through the provision of, and appropriate funding for, legal assistance, counsel, and representation... Read More →
RS

Radhika Singh

National Legal Aid and Defender Association
RS

Ronald S. Flagg

President, Legal Services Corporation
Ron Flagg was appointed President of the Legal Services Corporation effective February 20, 2020 and has served as Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel since 2013. He previously practiced commercial and administrative litigation at Sidley Austin LLP for 31 years, 27... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina A
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Justice Metamorphosis: Courts Innovating e-Filing Technology to Provide Access and Empower Survivors
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 3
Drafting a petition is a vital first step for survivors seeking protection orders. Yet, the petition process is often confusing and time-consuming—particularly for pro se survivors navigating this process without the guidance of an attorney or advocate. E-filing offers a meaningful solution to many of these challenges. This session will highlight lessons learned by courts involved in a national technical assistance initiative, best practices for trauma-informed e-filing design, advocacy engagement strategies, and real-world success stories.
Speakers
SM

Sarah Mauet

UX4Justice Director and Professor of PracticenDirector of System and Technology Design, Innovation for Justice (i4J)
Sarah Mauet (she/her) is an award-winning technologist, researcher, designer, and educator whose work centers on social impact technology and justice-system innovation. She is the Director of System and Technology Design for Innovation for Justice (i4J) where she is also a Professor... Read More →
SH

Sarah Hoskinson

Chief of Access to Justice Initiatives, Kansas Judicial Branch
Sarah Hoskinson is the Chief of Access to Justice Initiatives for the Kansas Judicial Branch and serves as Special Projects Counsel to Judicial Administrator Stephanie Smith. In her role she advances programs that reduce barriers to equitable and effective access to the court system... Read More →
AB

Amy Borman

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 3
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Promising Practices For Veterans Discharge Upgrade Applications Based On Racial Discrimination
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 5
Veterans without an honorable discharge from military service face impediments to accessing VA benefits, healthcare, education, and employment. Veterans of color receive a disproportionate share of less-than-honorable discharges. For those veterans, a discharge upgrade represents improved healthcare access and economic security. This session will use quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of recent administrative decisions to provide veterans advocates with promising practices for upgrade applications that sound in racial discrimination or harassment.
Speakers
AP

Alden Pinkham

Staff Attorney and Policy Analyst, Connecticut Veterans Legal Center
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 5
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Protecting SNAP and Medicaid Access in Light of HR 1 Changes
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 2
In July 2025, H.R. 1 was passed, making major changes to the SNAP and Medicaid programs. While many people will lose access to SNAP and Medicaid as part of these changes, many more will continue to be eligible but struggle to prove it to their State Agency. This session will discuss appeal rights in both programs and ways this work can be done by existing staff or with pro bono assistance.
Speakers
SM

Skyler M. Rosellini

Skyler Rosellini (he/him) is the Assistant Director of California Policy at the National Health Law Program in Los Angeles, California. Skyler is passionate about advancing health equity for underserved populations and making health access education accessible so people of all backgrounds... Read More →
LH

Lauren Hasen

Staff Attorney, The Public Interest Law Project
Lauren Hansen grew up experiencing poverty in a small rural county in Northern California. She is currently a staff attorney at PILP who works on public benefits, housing, and homelessness cases. Prior to joining PILP, Lauren worked at Legal Services of Northern California providing... Read More →
JM

Jessica Mark

Supervising Attorney, Bay Area Legal Aid
Jessica Mark is a Supervising Attorney at Bay Area Legal Aid. She works in the San Francisco Bay Area, assisting people primarily with their government benefits. She also participates in policy advocacy at the County, State, and Federal levels to improve access to government benefits... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 2
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Rethinking Brief Services Evaluation – A Strategic Approach to Understanding the Impact of Brief Services
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 1
The Cook County Early Resolution Program is believed to be the nation’s largest sustained program providing brief services to people facing eviction. This session will review prior literature on the assessment of brief services programs and propose an innovative framework and methodology using intake information, attorney assessment of services provided, and post-service survey feedback from clients to assess various measures of effectiveness and impact – and how those measures inform iterative development of program design.
Speakers
NS

Neil Steinkamp

Managing Director, Stout
Neil Steinkamp is a well-recognized expert and consultant on a broad range of strategic, organizational, and financial issues to government, business, court and community leaders. He has 20 years of experience providing transformative change strategies; complex structured and unstructured... Read More →
MM

Melanie MacBride

Chief Grants & Operations Officer, The Chicago Bar Foundation
Melanie MacBride is the Chief Grants & Operations Officer at The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF), where she oversees and directs the CBF’s grants program and related programs and projects. In addition, she oversees the administrative operations of the CBF, with a lead role in directing... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Mecklenburg 1
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Speaking with One Voice: Building a Shared Message for America’s Civil Justice System
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Governers 5&6
How we talk about civil justice shapes whether people understand and support it. This session introduces a national effort to align messaging across courts, legal aid, and the private bar. Panelists will share insights on what resonates with key audiences, how to use clear, nonpartisan language, and how to build a shared narrative that strengthens trust and expands support for civil justice.
Speakers
SN

Samira Nazem

Principal Court Management Consultant, National Center for State Courts
Samira Nazem is a Principal Court Management Consultant at the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) overseeing the Eviction Diversion Initiative which supports state and local courts in designing, implementing, and evaluating eviction diversion programs and related court reform... Read More →
ER

Eve Runyon

Pro Bono Institute
MD

Maria Duvuvuei

Communications Strategist, Legal Services Corporation
Maria Duvuvuei is Communications Strategist at the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), where she leads strategic communications efforts in support of civil legal aid nationwide. Detailed to the Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs, she manages LSC’s communications framework... Read More →
BK

Brittany Kauffman

Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
Brittany Kauffman is Chief Executive Officer at IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System.

Over the last ten years, Brittany has served as a leader in civil justice and judiciary reform in the United States, serving as a facilitator, expert liaison, and consultant to state and federal courts, rules committees, civil justice task forces, and bar organizations. She provides... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Governers 5&6
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Using Online Dispute Resolution Pre-Suit to Address Medical Debt
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 2
Hear from a state preparing to expand its online dispute resolution pilot to a statewide initiative. Steered by the TN ADR Commission and supported by the TN ATJ Commission, the TN AOC has built its own platform to allow creditor hospitals, trained mediators, and debtors to resolve medical debt quickly and efficiently. Panelists will share lessons learned from their experience.
Speakers
DS

Dana Schmidt

Manager, Mediation Programs and Grants, Tennessee Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts
Dana Schmidt is a seasoned legal professional with over two decades of experience in child welfare, family law, and mediation services. A 2002 graduate of Regent University School of Law, she began her career in 2003 as a litigation attorney with the Tennessee Department of Children’s... Read More →
AW

Anne-Louise Wirthlin

Assistant Director; Director of Access to Justice, TN Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts / ATJ Commission
Anne-Louise Wirthlin is the Director of Access to Justice and an Assistant Director for the Tennessee Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). She earned her Bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Anne-Louise has an LLM in Taxation... Read More →
AM
LW

Linda Warren Seely

Pro Bono Counsel, Butler Snow, LLP
Linda Seely is a licensed Tennessee lawyer and listed Mediator. She served as the Director of the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section in Washington, DC until May of 2021 when she assumed her position at Butler Snow as Pro Bono Counsel. For 20 years, she served as Pro... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Symphony 2
  Sessions

10:00am EDT

Utilizing an Externship, Secondee, or Retiree Model to Grow Pro Bono Engagement
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina C
This panel will explore how LSOs can grow pro bono capacity by utilizing law firm externs/secondees and retired partners. We will examine real-life examples of successful externship, secondment and retiree programs, with a particular focus on how each is structured based on ethical and practical considerations. Finally, we will discuss the challenges inherent with each model and why the benefits outweigh these challenges. This panel is appropriate for both LSOs and law firms interested in exploring these models. In addition, we welcome those with experience to come and share best practices.
Speakers
SR

Sara Richman

Partner, Chair of Pro Bono, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Sara Richman is a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke and chair of the firm’s pro bono practice. In her role, Sara's time is fully dedicated to leading the firm's pro bono practice. Sara works closely with legal aid organizations and other community partners to support pro bono efforts... Read More →
LS

Laura Sinrod

Special Counsel, Pro Bono, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Laura Israel Sinrod is special counsel and resident pro bono counsel in the New York office of Fried Frank. As pro bono counsel, Laura is responsible for directing Fried Frank’s overall pro bono program and supervising individual pro bono projects handled by other attorneys at the... Read More →
LC

Lauren Connell

Pro Bono Counsel, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Lauren Connell is the Pro Bono Counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP ("Akin"). In this role, she works with Akin's Pro Bono Partner to manage the firmwide pro bono practice and develop pro bono opportunities for Akin lawyers and staff.

Lauren maintains an active immigration practice, with a particular focus on asylum, Violence Against Women Act self-petitions, and U visas. She also advises nonprofit organizations on corporate governance matters. Before becoming pro bono counsel, she practiced corporate law at Akin... Read More →
avatar for Hamra Ahmad

Hamra Ahmad

Head of Legal Programs and Policy, Her Justice, Inc.
Hamra Ahmad is Head of Legal Programs and Policy at Her Justice, a nonprofit organization providing legal services to women living in poverty throughout New York City by training and mentoring volunteer attorneys to address individual and systemic barriers. Ms. Ahmad is co-chair of... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Carolina C
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

(ETHICS) Automating Solutions for the Sh&! You Don’t Want to Do but Must Do to Keep Your License
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
This session equips leadership, supervisors and attorneys with tools to conduct an Ethics Audit for client, case, and organization management. Participants will learn how to identify risk areas, strengthen internal systems, and comply with professional responsibility obligations by integrating these solutions into day-to-day legal operations, practice management, and supervision. Focus areas include conflicts, client confidentiality and data security, case acceptance procedures, case file management, attorneys’ fees and time tracking, trust accounts, and insurance considerations.
Speakers
MR

Maggie R. Robb

Chief Legal Office, Empire Justice Center
Maggie R. Robb, Esq., is the Chief Legal Officer of Empire Justice Center where she oversees the legal practice, compliance, human resources and serves as general counsel to the organization. She is also a member in the Civil Rights Practice Group where she primarily focuses on impact... Read More →
MF

Melinda Fithen

Litigation Director, Empire Justice Center
Melinda Fithen is the Litigation Director and a member of the Civil Rights Practice Group at Empire Justice Center. Melinda directs and advances the organization’s mission through impact litigation and provides technical assistance, co-counseling, training and strategic support... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

(ETHICS) Ethics Quiz Show 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina C
Test your knowledge and learn about new ethical issues for legal service lawyers. We'll cover new changes to Model Rule 1.14 relating to clients with decision making limitations; what lawyers should avoid putting in motions to withdraw under Model Rule 1.6 (Confidentiality) and Rule 1.16 (Declining/Terminating Representation); duties under Model Rules 1.1 (Competence), 1.4 (Communication), and Rule 1.6 when using AI notetaking tools; ephemeral messaging; supervisory duties under Rule 5.3 (Nonlawyer Assistance) when working with allied legal professionals; and more!
Speakers
ER

Ellyn Rosen

Regulation and Global Initiatives Counsel, ABA Center for Professional Responsibility
ELLYN S. ROSEN is the Regulation and Global Initiatives Counsel of the American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility. She advises the ABA Standing Committee on Professional Regulation, whose mission is to assist the judiciary and the bar in the development, coordination... Read More →
JK

Jenny K. Mittelman

Attorney at Law, State Bar of Georgia (Retired)
Jenny Mittelman was a lawyer regulator with the State Bar of Georgia for 35 years, where she
prosecuted disciplinary cases and provided ethics advice. She retired from her position as Deputy
General Counsel in March 2024. Before going to work for the State Bar of Georgia she was... Read More →
LG

Lauren Gilbride

Lauren Gilbride is the Managing Attorney of Intake and the Volunteer Lawyers Program at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. She oversees an intake department that handles over 25,000 requests for service and provides advice and other assistance to several thousand clients each year... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina C
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Advocating for Equity in Medicaid Eligibility Systems in the Automation Age
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 2
Tech companies and policymakers tout automation in programs like Medicaid, promising accuracy, speed, and reduced administrative burden. But, often, the reality does not match this vision. This session will bring together a panel of advocates and technologists to discuss past pitfalls and how we can learn from them. We will focus on advocacy opportunities to improve these systems, highlighting the role of procurement and contracting in shaping these systems and the rights of Medicaid enrollees.
Speakers
SG
EW

Emma Weil

Senior Policy Analyst, Upturn
Emma Weil is a Senior Policy Analyst at Upturn. They use their technology background to support advocates challenging computer systems and algorithms that mediate access to social safety net programs, as part of the Benefits Tech Advocacy Hub. Their work at Upturn also includes major... Read More →
SG

Susan Garcia Nofi

Senior Attorney, TechTonic Justice
Susan Garcia Nofi is a Senior Attorney at TechTonic Justice. She spent most of her career as a frontline legal aid attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Central West Justice Center (MA) and New Haven Legal Assistance (CT), where she also served as Deputy Director and Executive Director... Read More →
SH

Shandra Harly

Senior Attorney, National Health Law Program
Shandra Hartly is a Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), where she works in NHeLP's Eligibility & Enrollment and Services Practice Areas. At NHeLP, much of Shandra's work focuses on issues surrounding algorithms and automated decision-making systems (ADS), and... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 2
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Design and Deliver Effective & Engaging Training Programs
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 1
Pro bono and legal aid professionals are frequently responsible for training others and sharing knowledge. This interactive session will provide practical guidance on how to efficiently design and deliver learning opportunities that achieve goals, resonate with adult learners and promote meaningful engagement.
Speakers
KT
JR

Julia R. Wilson

Coach & Consultant, Julia Wilson Coaching
Julia R. Wilson is a leadership and team coach working with individuals and teams in civil legal services nonprofits across the country. She brings 3 decades of experience in legal services, including roles as a frontline attorney, executive director, and board member. She is certified... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 1
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Fostering Collaborative State Agency Partnerships
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
The State Bar of California Office of Access and Inclusion, with the Legal Aid Association of California and the California Access to Justice Commission, are pioneering a model replicable in any state or area by fostering innovative collaboration between legal aid organizations and state agencies. Attendees will learn about groundbreaking collaboration efforts yielding new partnerships, more effective systems, and streamlined materials in critical areas such as housing, immigration, seniors, and veterans. Attendees will also learn about innovative, similar work ongoing in Arizona.
Speakers
EH

Elizabeth Hom

Program Director, State Bar of Calfornia
Elizabeth A. Hom is a Program Director at the State Bar of California, Office of Access & Inclusion, where she advances the State Bar’s efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. Elizabeth supports administration of grants to legal aid organizations throughout... Read More →
LK

Lorin Kline

Director of Advocacy, Legal Aid Association of California
Lorin is the Director of Advocacy at the Legal Aid Association of California and has been with LAAC since early 2014. Lorin leads LAAC's advocacy program, which speaks as the unified voice for the community of more than 100 legal aid organizations in California. LAAC's advocacy aims... Read More →
KB
SA

Samiel a. Thumma

Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals (Chair, Arizona Commission on Access to Justice)
Samuel A. Thumma is a Judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, where he has served since 2012, including as Chief Judge. Before that, he served for five years as a trial Judge on the Arizona Superior Court in Maricopa County.
Sam is Secretary of the National Judicial College Board of Trustees. Sam is a Uniform Law Commissioner, most recently serving as Secretary of the Executive Committee. He is an Advisor to the American Law Institute’s RESTATEMENT OF THE LAW (THIRD) OF TORTS: REMEDIES. Sam serves... Read More →
CG

Chris Groninger

Chief Strategy Officer, Arizona Bar Foundation
In her current role as Chief Strategy Officer for the Arizona Bar Foundation, Chris Groninger leads efforts to expand access to legal help across Arizona. Her work focuses on strengthening partnerships, supporting collaboration among stakeholders, and increasing awareness about the... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

From Clicks to Clinics: Solving the Puzzle of Pro Bono Clinic Logistics
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina D&E
This session will be a deep dive into the world of legal clinics staffed by pro bono volunteers. This type of clinic has several logistical challenges because it needs to serve many groups: clients, volunteers, pro bono coordinators at legal services organizations, pro bono coordinators at law firms, in-house attorneys, and staff who conduct conflict checks. Having the right systems and processes in place can enable your staff to develop innovative pro bono delivery models.
Speakers
JS

Joseph Schieffer

CEO, A2J Tech
Joseph is the founder and CEO of A2J Tech. A2J Tech is a public benefit corporation that builds technology to improve access to justice.

Joseph holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy. Joseph enjoys exploring Colorado's outdoors and trail running... Read More →
AL

Anh LyJordan

Director, NC Equal Access to Justice Commission
Anh LyJordan serves as the Director of the Wake County Legal Support Center for the North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission. She has previously served as a Project Manager for the Housing Stability Project with the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center. In this position... Read More →
MM

Meghan Martie

Restorative Justice Project Director & Senior Staff Attorney, NC Pro Bono Resource Center
Meghan Martie serves as the Restorative Justice Project Director and Senior Staff Attorney with the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, focusing on driver’s license restoration. Meghan oversees pro bono volunteer work and communicates with clients.

Prior to joining the Resource Center, Meghan spent two years volunteering part-time as an attorney with the Wake County Office of the Public Defender, representing clients in District Court. She also clerked for Justice Robin Hudson on the North Carolina Supreme Court of North Carolina... Read More →
VP

Victoria Pan

Project Manager and Legal Innovator, A2J Tech
Victoria Pan, Esq. is a Legal Innovator and a Project Manager at A2J Tech. She has extensive experience in process improvement and intake assessment in the legal services sector. Victoria has led many transformative projects with several notable organizations, including intake assessments... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina D&E
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

From Scarcity to Abundance: #JustOC - A New Model for Collaboration and Innovation
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Governers 5&6
What happens when leaders lean into their strengths as collaborators and abandon the scarcity mindset of the past, in order to better serve the community? This session will share insights gained and best practices learned from Orange County's first all-female team of executives from major legal aid organizations in their pioneering collaborative fundraising effort: to fund the creation of a unified, coordinated entry system for legal aid for Orange County’s low-income communities. The presentation will cover the group’s strategies to create synergy amongst their organizations, to draw in regional foundations into the effort, and to expand outreach to funders outside the group’s usual circles.
Speakers
ME

Monica Eav Glicken

CEO/ Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Law Center
Monica Eav Glicken
CEO/ Executive Director and General Counsel of Public Law Center (PLC)

Monica served as the Directing Attorney of PLC’s Immigration Unit from 2018 to 2022 and is a State Bar-certified Immigration Law expert. After graduating magna cum laude in Literature from Harvard University, Monica served as a Fulbright Fellow in the Philippines and a Corps Member... Read More →
avatar for Kate Marr

Kate Marr

Executive Director, Community Legal Aid SoCal
Kate Marr is the Executive Director at Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal), a non-profit legal aid agency with a staff of 150 serving Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Kate is a proud legal-aid lifer, having spent her entire 25-year career in legal services. Immediately prior to... Read More →
avatar for Brooke Weitzman

Brooke Weitzman

Executive Director, Elder Law and Disability Rights Center
Brooke is the Executive Director of The Elder Law and Disability Rights Center (ELDR Center). As a civil rights attorney, she represents communities that would not otherwise have access to a lawyer. Weitzman helped to reduce the criminalization of poverty through litigation and advocacy—including... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Governers 5&6
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Habeas in Practice: Strategies and Stories from the Front Lines
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Governers 1&2
This panel will offer a practical look at the realities of filing emergency habeas petitions in federal court on behalf of detained immigrants. Featuring pro bono and legal services attorneys who have recently drafted and argued these petitions, the discussion will unpack the time-sensitive nature of habeas litigation, explore staffing models that support rapid response, and highlight common procedural and strategic hurdles. Attendees will gain insight into how teams navigate deadlines, coordinate across organizations, and advocate effectively under pressure in an evolving legal space.
Speakers
JP

Jacqueline Pearce

Pro Bono Immigration Attorney, Fried Frank
Jackie Pearce manages immigration pro bono efforts for the firm’s New York and Washington, DC Offices. As Pro Bono Immigration Attorney, she works closely with our pro bono team to ensure immigration pro bono matters are available to interested attorneys and supervises immigration... Read More →
MJ

Mindy Johnson

Pro Bono Attorney, Fried Frank Shriver Harris and Jacobson LLP
Mindy Johnson manages Fried Frank's pro bono efforts in its Washington, DC office. As Pro Bono Attorney, she develops and supervises pro bono projects and collaborates with legal service organizations in the DMV and nationwide. She, together with Jackie Pearce, represented four individuals... Read More →
HS

Harold Solis

Co-Legal Director, Make the Road New York
Harold is an attorney and the Co-Legal Director of Make the Road New York, the largest grassroots immigrant-led organization in New York state. His work at MRNY includes directing MRNY’s legal strategies and services on a range of issues, including asylum and other humanitarian... Read More →
BD

Beth D. Baltimore

Deputy Director, The Door’s Legal Services Center (LSC)
Beth Baltimore is the Deputy Director of The Door’s Legal Services Center (LSC), where she directs the Pro Bono, Runaway and Homeless Youth and Civil Legal Services programs. She also manages strategic litigation for the LSC and is counsel in E.J.C.C. v. Noem, a habeas petition... Read More →
FE

F. Evan Benz

Senior Attorney, Immigration Impact Lab, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
F. Evan Benz is a Senior Attorney with the Immigration Impact Lab at Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. Amica Center is a nonprofit legal services organization that seeks to reduce the disproportionate legal injustices detained immigrants face through cutting-edge impact litigation... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Governers 1&2
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Law Firm and Corporate Engagement in MLPs: A Scalable Model for Access to Justice
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 5
Across the country, Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) are transforming the way health systems address the social and legal barriers that undermine patient health. While most MLPs partner primarily with legal aid organizations, a more expansive model adds private law firms and corporate legal departments into direct collaboration with hospitals and health centers. These partnerships expand access to justice while offering lawyers uniquely meaningful pro bono opportunities. This session will spotlight VCU Health’s innovative MLP developed in partnership with McGuireWoods and Dominion Energy. VCU Health is the largest safety net hospital in Virginia with more than 13,000 employees and 1,000,000 annual outpatient visits, a Level 1 Trauma Center, and the region’s only full-service Children’s Hospital. Through this model, pro bono attorneys work directly with patients and families who are often seriously ill, navigating complex medical treatment, and would not otherwise have access to legal help but for their visit to the hospital. Attorneys collaborate closely with clinical teams, allowing them to address legal issues that directly affect health—such as housing, education, guardianship, immigration, and custody. Panelists will discuss how the partnership was conceived, structured, and operationalized, including McGuireWoods’ creation of a dedicated internal infrastructure and workflow for receiving, managing, and completing MLP referrals through the JusticeServer platform. The session will highlight key lessons learned in designing a scalable referral system; recruiting and training attorneys to provide services in five different areas of law; and sustaining engagement across a complex network of volunteers, corporate counsel, and hospital teams.  Attendees will gain practical, replicable strategies for building or strengthening MLP collaborations with private-sector partners—expanding the reach of civil legal aid, deepening pro bono engagement, and improving outcomes for patients and families. This panel is designed for law firms, legal aid organizations, health systems, corporate legal departments, and anyone interested in cross-sector models for advancing equitable access to justice.
Speakers
AZ

Angie Zimmern

Pro Bono Director and Counsel, McGuireWoods
As McGuireWoods’ pro bono director, counsel Angie Zimmern expands the firm’s commitment to developing and sustaining pro bono programs recognized nationally for innovation and impact.

Angie leads the firm’s most successful pro bono initiatives, including Charlotte Triage... Read More →
AH

Allison Held

Associate General Counsel and Director, Medical-Legal Partnership, VCU Health System
JR

Jontile Ray

Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
Jontille Ray is a graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Law and is a partner at McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Virginia. Jontille now focuses her practice on energy and utility regulation and compliance before the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Jontille... Read More →
DJ

David J. DePippo

Managing Counsel, Dominion Energy
David J. DePippo is Managing Counsel with Dominion Energy. His practice focus on the development, permitting, and construction of large electric utility infrastructure and utility rate making. His pro bono practice focuses on veterans' educational benefits. Prior to his in-house work... Read More →
avatar for Carol Wyatt

Carol Wyatt

Pro Bono Coordinator, McGuireWoods LLP
Carol Wyatt is the Pro Bono Coordinator at McGuireWoods, where she leads firmwide initiatives that connect attorneys and firm clients with high-impact opportunities to serve individuals and communities in need. She works across offices, practice groups and corporate legal departments... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 5
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Legal Aid Funding Landscape & Roundtable Discussion
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 6
This session will open with brief presentations about the current status of funding for legal aid including updates on federal grants, cy pres, iolta, and significant developments regarding state/territorial legislative appropriations and/or court fines and fees revenue. Also, updates will be provided on the ABA's data collection process to support funding efforts. Participants will then be invited to share their challenges and successes related to funding in a roundtable format and learn from others about what currently works/does not work when trying to increase resources for civil legal aid.
Speakers
AK

Anne K. Sweeney

Chief, Civil Legal Services, National Legal Aid & Defender Association
SD

Shubi Deoras

Counsel/Director, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives
Shubi Deoras has served as Counsel/Director for the ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives (a project of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants (SCLAID) since 2017. She also held the position of Assistant Counsel to the ABA Commission on IOLTA... Read More →
JS

Jared S. Smith

Director of Programs, Management Information Exchange (MIE)
Jared Smith is MIE’s Director of Programs, a role in which he works to develop innovative remote and in-person trainings, engaging resources, and effective spaces for collaboration. In this role, he also supports private and legislative fundraising efforts, including by enhancing... Read More →
BB

Bill Boies

Bill Boies is a Senior Counsel at McDermott, Will and Schulte. He focuses his practice on business dispute counseling, class action litigation defense and complex business litigation throughout the country.

Bill leads a McDermott pro bono program that advises national legal aid organizations, IOLTA programs and bar foundations about funding for legal aid programs, including obtaining cy pres awards from the undistributed residue of class action settlement funds. He frequently submits... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 6
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Reimagining Access: A Case Study in AI-Powered Online Intake Portals
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 3
This session showcases an innovative intake portal developed in collaboration with Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) and A2J Tech. Attendees will learn how to build AI-enabled portals while also gaining strategies for collaborating with tech partners and ensuring meaningful user adoption through iterative development, testing, and outreach.

The session will highlight key lessons learned from this project, emphasizing the vital role of requirement gathering, rigorous user testing, and collaborative partnerships in achieving impactful outcomes.
Speakers
SM

Scheree M. Gilchrist

Chief Innovation Officer, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Scheree Gilchrist is the Chief Innovation Officer at Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC).In this position, she oversees the development of a sustainable, strategic plan for innovation that will improve access to justice for clients and improve the way staff works to deliver services... Read More →
MD

Mauricio Duarte

Chief Operating Officer, A2J Tech PBC
Mauricio is a lawyer from Guatemala with an LL.M. from St. Thomas University in Minnesota. He worked for five years in international arbitration before shifting his work to technology and legal innovation. He is the Chief Operating Officer and a Justice Entrepreneur at A2J Tech, a... Read More →
MH

Megan Hennings

Staff Attorney & Program Manager, Innovation Lab, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Megan Hennings is the Innovation Lab’s Program Manager & Staff Attorney. In this role, she oversees internal design processes, staff and community engagement, and technology-driven solutions to enhance legal service delivery, particularly in rural communities. She previously served... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Symphony 3
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Securing Justice Through Debt Relief: Ensuring Access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina A
Public interest legal services organizations should be able to attract professionals to work for them despite lower salaries. And public interest professionals — legal aid attorneys, public defenders, nonprofit advocates, and government workers—should not be limited in making career choices between serving the public and managing unmanageable student debt. Yet, persistent barriers in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program deny relief to many who may qualify and the situation might be getting worse. This session will explore recent policy changes, including the Executive Order (EO) directing the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider which organizations are eligible for PSLF – potentially affecting some nonprofits and advocacy groups and their staff. The Department of Education has promulgated rules to exclude from PSLF eligibility organizations that engage in activities deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose.” Panelists will discuss ongoing advocacy efforts, legal strategies and tools aimed at ensuring access to PSLF. Participants will gain up-to-date guidance to navigate PSLF and learn how to advocate for fairer, more accessible implementation nationwide.
Speakers
ML

Maria L. Imperial

Vice-President, Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center
Maria Imperial serves as Vice-President of the Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center (the “Center”) where she assists in guiding and overseeing the executive responsibilities and strategic direction of the Center. The mission of the Center is to eradicate systemic injustices... Read More →
GM

George Mykulak

Senior Litigation Director, Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center
George Mykulak

Through the Massachusetts Access to Justice Fellows Program, George is the Senior Litigation Director of the Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center. He has over four decades of diverse commercial litigation experience as a first chair trial and appellate attorney at AM Law 100 and 200 l... Read More →
KL

Khandice Lofton

Counsel, Protect Borrowers
Khandice Lofton is Counsel at Protect Borrowers where she works on litigation matters, and advocacy related to consumers and student loan borrowers. Previously, she practiced at Legal Aid of West Virginia fighting to keep families housed and safe. There she learned that neither a... Read More →
VS

Vikram Swaruup

Vikram Swaruup joined Legal Aid DC as Executive Director in February of 2023. He previously worked as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

While at the Office of the Attorney General, he worked closely with Legal Aid DC on a range of issues, including... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina A
  Sessions

1:15pm EDT

Using Evidence to Allocate Scarce Resources
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
Using interim results from a new randomized control trial and final results from already-completed randomized studies, we’ll investigate two distinct topics: when does full representation matter and does record-clearing make a difference? Reviewing prior research, we’ll uncover when an evidence base exits, and when it doesn’t. We’ll discuss operationalizing evidence-based triage and relevant research in progress. We’ll close with discussion of the broader and interconnected contexts of these distinct topics and hypotheses for change, while also hearing from the audience.
Speakers
DJ

D. James Greiner

Faculty Director, The Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School
RL

Renee L. Danser

Associate Director of Research & Strategic Partnerships, the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School
Renee Danser is the Associate Director of Research and Strategic Partnerships at the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School. After a career as a lawyer and court administrator, Ms. Danser now draws on her knowledge of justice system operations and the pressures on the justice... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

(ETHICS) AI in Legal Aid: Ethics, Bias, Privacy, and Regulation
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina A
This session examines how legal aid can responsibly adopt AI. Presenters will explore opportunities for expanding access and reducing costs, while addressing challenges of ethics, bias, privacy, and regulation. Attendees will gain best practices, awareness of emerging standards, and guidance for implementing AI that strengthens justice rather than undermines it.
Speakers
ER

Erin Riker

Supervising Attorney for Technology-Based Legal Services, Center for Elder Law and Justice
Erin Riker is the Supervising Attorney for Technology-Based Legal services at the Center for Elder Law and Justice. In this capacity, she manages the Senior Legal Advice Helpline, the Senior Financial Safety Tool, and the Legal Risk Detector, and chairs the AI Policy Committee. While... Read More →
ES

Ellen Samuel

Chief Operating Officer, Just-Tech
Ellen Samuel is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Consulting at Just-Tech. With a specialization in developing innovative solutions for the legal sector, Ellen's expertise spans cybersecurity assessments, AI implementation, knowledge management systems, and much more. Her... Read More →
SJ

Sarah J. Duval

Managing Attorney, Center for Elder Law and Justice
Sarah Duval is a managing attorney at the Center for Elder Law and Justice in Buffalo, NY where she works on program development. Prior to this role, Sarah handled cases of elder abuse and exploitation and was a frequent presenter on the topic. Sarah is a member of the Erie County... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina A
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Building and Sustaining Effective Partnerships for Serving LGBTQ+ Low Income Clients
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 3
This session will provide information on how building and sustaining partnerships between legal aid organizations and local, state, and national community organizations can help improve legal services for low-income LGBTQ+ clients. Attendees will learn about successful ongoing and past partnerships as well as learn some principles and tips for building new partnerships and deepening existing partnerships with community organizations.
Speakers
SM
LO
KM
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 3
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Building Trust and Connecting with Vulnerable Clients
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
This session will address the importance of connecting and learning how to communicate effectively with people in marginalized communities. Skills for identifying barriers to communication and connection and ways to overcome them will be discussed.
Speakers
JR

Jaelle R. Richardson

Assistant Clinical Professor of Law and Social Work, Wayne State University Law School and School of Social Work
Jaelle Richardson, Esq., LMSW, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Wayne State University Law School and the School of Social Work. She is also the Director of Pro Bono and Public Interest Initiatives at Wayne Law. She is an attorney and a licensed clinical social worker. She is... Read More →
DM
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Built to Deliver, Designed to Learn: Linking Project Management with Evaluation
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Governers 5&6
What if every legal aid project was designed not only to succeed, but also to teach us something? This session explores how project managers can incorporate evaluation to improve delivery, adapt to real-time challenges, and document meaningful results. Presenters will share how they built evaluation into timelines, workflows, and reporting without requiring a statistics degree. Attendees will learn to move beyond compliance reporting toward evaluation that fuels learning and continuous improvement.
Speakers
avatar for Shellie Reid

Shellie Reid

Manager, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project
Shellie Reid is the Manager of the Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP). During law school, Shellie sought opportunities to gain experience beyond the normal law school path. As an ATJ Tech Fellow, Shellie learned of the many career options available to students... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Shaw-Sutherland

Kelly Shaw-Sutherland

Deputy Director of Consulting and Project Management, Just-Tech, LLC
Kelly Shaw-Sutherland is a skilled project manager, social science researcher, and evaluation leader with two decades of experience guiding complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across the legal, public health, and nonprofit sectors. She excels at integrating project management with... Read More →
KW

Katherine Wines

Research Associate, Legal Services Corporation
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Governers 5&6
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Catalysts for Change: The Strategic Role of Leaders in Program Innovation & Mission Advancement
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina C
The session guides leaders to move their programs beyond tactical decisions and move forward strategic and visionary change. This session begins with an overview of prevalent theories of change at legal aid organizations, followed by an interactive discussion of a case study in which staff leadership, board, and funders of an organization are not fully aligned on program priorities. Through the case study, participants will identify how they can become more effective catalysts for change.
Speakers
PH

Phil Hwang

CEO, OneJustice
Phil Hwang is the CEO of OneJustice, a nonprofit organization that strengthens the expertise and capacity of nonprofit legal organizations and volunteers to advance justice and equity. OneJustice's areas of expertise include legal aid strategy and impact; leadership and management... Read More →
PF

Patrick Fodell

Director, OneJustice
As a OneJustice Director, Patrick dedicates his time to the Pro Bono Training Institute, finance, and consulting opportunities related to succession planning and adult learning best practices. He has coordinated trainings and outreach efforts at the Watsonville Law Center, Legal Aid... Read More →
ME

Monica Eav Glicken

CEO/ Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Law Center
Monica Eav Glicken
CEO/ Executive Director and General Counsel of Public Law Center (PLC)

Monica served as the Directing Attorney of PLC’s Immigration Unit from 2018 to 2022 and is a State Bar-certified Immigration Law expert. After graduating magna cum laude in Literature from Harvard University, Monica served as a Fulbright Fellow in the Philippines and a Corps Member... Read More →
RW

Robert White

Program Director, OneJustice
Robert White is a Program Director at OneJustice currently supporting programs on nonprofit legal services leadership, board leadership and immigration legal services. Prior to joining OneJustice he founded a practice as a consultant and executive coach with a particular focus on... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina C
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Community Legal Needs Assessments Post-pandemic: Trends & Emerging Needs
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
The pandemic has passed but our housing crisis persists. The senior population is growing. The future of public benefits is unsure. Let’s learn about changing needs in legal aid client communities. We’ll review results from five post-pandemic legal needs assessments conducted in rural and urban areas. Then we’ll lead discussion of how to use quantitative and qualitative data to uncover local needs, refine your service priorities, and begin strategic planning for challenges and opportunities ahead.
Speakers
JH

Jeffrey Harvey

CEO, Community Legal Services
Jeff was appointed to the Chief Executive Officer position in April 2020 but is no stranger to leadership or public service.

He graduated from Boston College in 2001 with his BA in Political Science and Theology. After college, Jeff was commissioned as an officer in the US Army where he completed training as a Ranger. While in the Army, Jeff completed his Master’s in Human Development and Leadership... Read More →
SG

Steve Grumm

Consultant, thredpartners
Steve Grumm is a consultant with thredpartners. He is a career-long advocate for improving civil access-to-justice systems and advancing public service in the legal profession. At thredpartners, Steve provides program assessments, strategic planning, and other services to help his... Read More →
avatar for Jen Lee

Jen Lee

Executive Director, Legal Services of North Dakota
Jen Lee has been the Executive Director of Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) since October 2022, bringing with her over a decade of experience in law, business management, and innovative legal service delivery. Under her leadership, LSND has secured a 100% increase in funding... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Enforcing Human Trafficking Survivors’ Rights Through Civil Suits
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 6
This panel presentation will explore an underutilized tool for human trafficking survivors – civil litigation to obtain monetary compensation. Using case examples, the presenters will introduce the federal and state private rights of action for human trafficking victims, how to bring these claims, who they can be brought against, remedies available, related causes of action, and the interrelationship between civil suits and immigration relief. A lived experience expert will share his experiences as a plaintiff and recommend best practices for lawyers representing survivors in civil cases.
Speakers
AS

Annie Smith

Wylie H. Davis Professor of Law, University of Arkansas School of Law
Annie Smith is the Wylie H. Davis Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law where she teaches the Civil Litigation and Advocacy Clinic and Human Trafficking Clinic. Prior to Arkansas, she taught in George Washington University Law School's clinical program. She... Read More →
JA

Jose Alfaro

Peer support specialist and lived expert, The Human Trafficking Legal Center
Jose is a Lived Experience Expert who currently works as an anti trafficking advocate, Peer Support Specialist and consultant. His work centers on the domestic sex trafficking of minors, members of the LGBTQIA community and males. He has worked with anti-trafficking organizations... Read More →
AH

Aaron Halegua

Attorney, Harvard Law School
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 6
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Going on Offense: Using Affirmative Litigation to Achieve Better Outcomes in Eviction Cases
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 2
For most legal aid attorneys, eviction prevention primarily involves defending eviction actions. Putting up a strong defense is essential, but eviction prevention does not have to end there. In many cases, local and statewide ordinances, as well as contract law principles, can be leveraged to assert claims against a landlord. In this session, we will cover how to issue spot potential claims, how to build an affirmative case, and other relevant considerations when going from defense to offense.
Speakers
LE

Lydia Ellsworth

Supervising Attorney, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Lydia Ellsworth is a Supervising Attorney in the Housing Unit at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. She earned her JD from the Villanova Charles Widger School of Law. Before working for Community Services, Lydia was an Appellate Attorney for the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate... Read More →
BB

Beverly Beaver

Supervising Attorney, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Beverly Beaver is a supervising attorney at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in the housing unit where she primarily focuses on eviction defense. Prior to joining CLS in August of 2024, she was an attorney at the Defender Association of Philadelphia for 13 years. As an assistant... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 2
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Justice Starts in Law School: Expanding Pro Bono Through Academic Partnerships
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina D&E
Law students represent untapped potential in the nation’s pro bono ecosystem. This session brings together law schools and legal organizations to explore how partnerships can expand capacity, meet real community needs, and prepare future lawyers for service. Panelists will showcase innovative short- and long-term models, demystify how academic structures and pro bono requirements work, and spark a dialogue about challenges, collaboration, and what today’s students value as the next generation of justice-minded professionals.
Speakers
avatar for Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz

Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz

Director, DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center, St. John's University School of Law
Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz is the Director of the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center at St. John’s University School of Law in New York City, where she leads the strategic vision, fundraising, and daily operations of one of the law school’s biggest academic centers. She oversees a... Read More →
AH

Amy Hsieh

Executive Director, Public Service Law Center, Brooklyn Law School
GD
AJ

Aaron J. Irving

General Magistrate, Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, Clay County, Florida
Justice Starts in Law School Expanding Pro Bono Through Academic Partnerships (3) pdf
Summary Short and Long Term Partnership Models (2) (2) pdf
St. John’s Law Students Advocate for U.S. Military Veterans Over Spring Break pdf
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina D&E
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Justice Unbundled: A Path to Legal Access Through Scalable Limited-Scope Models that Empower Clients & Increase Lawyer Engagement
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 5
This session explores how two legal providers from different regions design limited scope programs that meet diverse community needs. Featuring firsthand insights from pro bono coordinators and a participating volunteer attorney, attendees will learn how unbundling legal services empowers clients, engages attorneys, and expands access to justice. Discussions on ethics, program design, technology, and client empowerment will provide practical strategies and pathways to build sustainable, high-impact limited scope models that strengthen pro bono service delivery.
Speakers
AN
avatar for Joy Springfield

Joy Springfield

Statewide Pro Bono Director, Kansas Legal Services
Joy Springfield is a licensd attorney and the Statewide Director of Pro Bono Services for Kansas Legal Services . Ms. Springfield is licensed to practice law in Kansas and Missouri.

Before joining Kansas Legal Services, Joy Springfield worked at Shook, Hardy & Bacon representing major consumer, tobacco, medical device, and pharmaceutical companies in mass and class actions. Her practice involved handling complex product liability, business, and pharmaceutical... Read More →
avatar for Sharmaine Heng

Sharmaine Heng

Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact, Nixon Peabody LLP
Sharmaine Heng is currently the Pro Bono and Social Impact Director at Nixon Peabody LLP based in the firm's Washington DC office.

Sharmaine is a respected leader in the legal community, known for her collaborative approach and deep commitment to advancing access to justice. She currently serves as Nixon Peabody’s inaugural Pro Bono and Social Impact Director, overseeing the firm’s pro bono work, charitable... Read More →
KB

Kiersten Bartolotta

Pro Bono Coordinator/ Staff Attorney, Legal Services of Long Island
Kiersten Bartolotta is a passionate attorney and program creator dedicated to expanding meaningful legal support for individuals and families on Long Island. She currently serves as the Suffolk County Pro Bono Coordinator at Legal Services of Long Island, where she designs and leads... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 5
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Making your Evaluation Meaningful from Design to Impact
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
In this energetic and interactive session, participants will use civil justice project examples to collaboratively design an effective and meaningful evaluation plan. By the end, participants will be able to formulate evaluation questions and design a basic evaluation matrix. Participants will leave with practical tools to guide their next evaluation project. They will also understand the internal and relational benefits (and joys!) of evaluation for their organizations and their communities, beyond just meeting funder requirements.
Speakers
JS

Julia Schutt

Manager of Research & Evaluation, A2J Tech
Julia Schutt leads the Research & Evaluation practice area at A2J Tech. In this role, Julia designs, conducts, and consults on assessments to help organizations improve their access to justice outcomes. Julia is an anthropologist with a multidisciplinary background in social science... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Strengthening Neighborhoods with Pro Bono Support
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 1
Learn how a legal aid program highlights--and delivers on--co-counsel support when attracting volunteer attorneys to the world of urban neighborhood lawyering.
Speakers
KH

Kayla Hogan

Director, Adopt-A-Neighborhood Project, Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Kayla Hogan is the Director of the Adopt-A-Neighborhood Project at Legal Aid of Western Missouri, a pro bono collaboration between urban core neighborhoods and some of Kansas City's largest private law firms. She earned her B.A. in American Studies at Tufts University before joining... Read More →
AB

Anna Berman

Anna is a trial lawyer who represents clients in a wide variety of cases, including breaches of ?duciary duties, contract disputes, theft of trade secrets, commercial and consumer auto ?nance and creditors’ rights issues. She counsels clients during the litigation process, including... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Symphony 1
  Sessions

2:45pm EDT

The Case for Clarity: Law Firm Giving and Government Advocacy in Turbulent Times
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Governers 1&2
For years, law firms have publicly reported and touted their pro bono hours, but law firm giving – and advocacy for public funding – has largely remained in the shadows. This panel will explore a law firm’s responsibility for direct donations, both to organizations that provide pro bono opportunities and to areas of unmet need often beyond the reach of pro bono. We will also explore the broader duty of the private bar to advocate for and defend public funding to support legal aid. Panelists will discuss the opaque and antiquated process of private sector giving during these turbulent times, and how we can work together to put giving in focus.
Speakers
SH

Steve H. Schulman

Pro Bono Partner, Akin
Steven Schulman joined Akin as its first full-time Pro Bono Parnter in 2006, responsible for the global pro bono practice as well as chariable giving directed to legal aid organizations with which the firm works. Steven has also worked closely with the Legal Services Corporation to... Read More →
avatar for Paul Lee

Paul Lee

Pro Bono Partner, Steptoe LLP
Paul Lee coordinates Steptoe's pro bono program and mentors on a variety of pro bono matters, particularly those involving immigration and juvenile law. He has responsibility for all aspects of the firm's pro bono efforts and serves as the firm's point person in working with legal... Read More →
AH
avatar for Mytrang Nguyen

Mytrang Nguyen

Program Counsel, Pro Bono Innovation Fund, Legal Services Corporation
Mytrang Nguyen, she/her, is Senior Program Counsel for Pro Bono Innovation at the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in Washington, D.C., where she is part of a team that manages LSC’s Pro Bono Innovation Fund. This nearly $5 million annual competitive grant program invests in efforts... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Governers 1&2
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

(ETHICS) Navigating Cybersecurity Risks in Legal Aid: Protecting Clients, Data, and Trust
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina C
Cybersecurity threats are rising across the legal aid sector. This session equips organizations with practical strategies to protect sensitive client data, comply with regulations, and respond effectively to incidents. Presenters will share tools, frameworks, and real-world lessons to strengthen resilience and safeguard client trust against evolving cyber risks.
Speakers
avatar for Shellie Reid

Shellie Reid

Manager, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project
Shellie Reid is the Manager of the Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project (LSNTAP). During law school, Shellie sought opportunities to gain experience beyond the normal law school path. As an ATJ Tech Fellow, Shellie learned of the many career options available to students... Read More →
ES

Ellen Samuel

Chief Operating Officer, Just-Tech
Ellen Samuel is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Consulting at Just-Tech. With a specialization in developing innovative solutions for the legal sector, Ellen's expertise spans cybersecurity assessments, AI implementation, knowledge management systems, and much more. Her... Read More →
JM
avatar for David Forrester

David Forrester

IT Director, Northwest Justice Project
David Forrester leads Northwest Justice Project's dedicated technology team as IT Director. For the past 20 years, David’s work has focused on helping nonprofits develop strategies and deliver technology solutions that help broaden and deepen their positive impact. Before joining... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina C
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

(NOT CLE ELIGIBLE) Redefining Success in Challenging Times: Preserving Rights, Reimagining Justice
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 2
What does it mean to “win” when the rule of law is under attack? As democracy faces unprecedented threats, success in pro bono work must be reimagined. This session brings together nonprofit advocates and law firm leaders who are reshaping justice work in uncertain times. Panelists will share creative strategies, reflections on resilience, and evolving measures of impact, offering practical insights to sustain pro bono advocacy and safeguard democracy.
Speakers
TS
RK

Rene Kathawala

Pro Bono Counsel, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Rene Kathawala serves as Orrick's firmwide pro bono counsel, responsible for managing and initiating the firm's pro bono activities, including all administrative and legal aspects.

Rene works with other pro bono counsel and legal services nonprofits to increase the quantity and quality of pro bono representation that is being provided to indigent clients in each of the cities worldwide where Orrick has a presence. In addition, he supervises and directly works... Read More →
avatar for Chriselle Raguro

Chriselle Raguro

Director of Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area
Chriselle Raguro (she/her/siya) serves as the Director of Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF). In this role, she drives the organization’s vision to grow and strengthen its pro bono program, mobilizing... Read More →
KN

Katie Niejadlik

Katie Niejadlik is the Global Director for Pro Bono at the Center for Reproductive Rights, where she leads a global team of pro bono professionals and drives the organization’s strategy to expand and deepen partnerships with the private bar in support of reproductive rights as human... Read More →
BS

Bianca Sierra Wolff

Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area
Bianca Sierra Wolff is Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF) and brings more than two decades of executive and legal leadership to the organization. Prior to joining LCCRSF, she served as Executive Director of the California... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 2
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

America's Black Maternal Health Crisis and Disappearing Data
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
In the United States women of all races and ages are dying at the highest rate in the developed world and the crisis is most severe for Black women and birthing people who are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than their white counterparts across all income and education levels. The racial disparities in our US maternal mortality rates are clearly captured in international, national, and state data. Yet, new federal actions threaten our ability to capture and report this data and ultimately provide justice amidst this healthcare crisis. This presentation will define the maternal health crisis through data, provide updates on new attitudes towards collecting data showing racial disparities, and provide participants with advocacy strategies to support pregnant populations and ensure access to this crucial data.
Speakers
BM

Bernadette Manigault

Director of Litigation, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Bernadette Manigault is a Director of Litigation at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), where she leads and supports impact litigation across the organization. With over ten years of litigation experience, Bernadette has secured more than $50 million in verdicts... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 2
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Building Tenant Power to Preserve Subsidized Housing
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 3
As the federal government has slashed investment in subsidized housing, preserving existing housing and their subsidies is more important than ever. Using a case study of representing public housing residents in Savannah, Georgia, who are facing the demolition of their homes, the session will teach advocates how to identify housing subsidies at risk and leverage tenant power to advocate for preserving subsidized housing in their community. The session will also discuss potential legislation and regulations which impact preservation work.
Speakers
KC

Korey C. Lundin

Senior Staff Attorney, National Housing Law Project
Korey Lundin is a Senior Staff Attorney at the National Housing Law Project and focuses his work on the preservation of federally assisted housing. Prior to joining NHLP, Korey worked for over two decades as a housing and family law attorney with Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. in... Read More →
BA

Bridgett A. Simmons

Staff Attorney, National Housing Law Project
BRIDGETT A. SIMMONS is a Staff Attorney with the National Housing Law Project (NHLP). Bridgett’s work focuses on the preservation of HUD-subsidized multifamily housing, healthy housing and tenants’ right to organize. Bridgett joined NHLP in September 2017 as the second David B... Read More →
DS

David Sunshine Hamburger

Staff Attorney, Georgia Legal Services Program
David Sunshine Hamburger is a Staff Attorney at Georgia Legal Services Program's Savannah office where he works as the single non-profit housing lawyer for an eleven-county region of Southeast Georgia. David's practice focuses on representing low-resourced tenants in eviction hearings... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 3
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Designing Tech-Driven Case Studies and Role Plays for Pro Bono Volunteers
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina D&E
This session is built for legal aid attorneys who want to take their pro bono volunteer training programs to the next level by integrating interactive case studies and role-playing exercises—both online and in-person. With a focus on using technology to boost engagement and simulate real-world scenarios, this session empowers trainers to design immersive, learner-centered experiences that easily and quickly train pro bono volunteers. We will develop at least one resource together in this session for a hands-on training experience.
Speakers
PF

Patrick Fodell

Director, OneJustice
As a OneJustice Director, Patrick dedicates his time to the Pro Bono Training Institute, finance, and consulting opportunities related to succession planning and adult learning best practices. He has coordinated trainings and outreach efforts at the Watsonville Law Center, Legal Aid... Read More →
PW

Phong Wong

Pro Bono Director, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Phong Wong, Pro Bono Director at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Phong oversees the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles’ pro bono work and coordinates its pro bono cases and projects, including Disaster Response and the Pro Bono Training Institute. She also oversees the outreach, recruitment, and hiring of volunteers including law students, underg... Read More →
JH

Judy Hale

Director of Pro Bono Services with the, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Judy Hale is the Director of Pro Bono Services with the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA), where she supports pro bono projects in Pennsylvania through PBA committees, county bar associations, legal aid agencies, law schools, as well as administering PA Wills for Heroes and PA Free... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina D&E
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Educating Legislators About Legal Aid 2.0
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina A
This session is designed to build on the workshops we have done for the past few years on how to explain legal aid as constituent services to legislators and their staff. Now that many LSC grantees and other legal aid programs have begun to develop relationships with their federal and state legislators and staff, we want to identify ways to build on and expand those connections, e.g., provide trainings for district caseworkers; involve legislative staff in community outreach efforts. The panel will include LSC grantee Executive Directors and civil legal aid practitioners with experience meeting with and educating federal and state legislators and their staff. The panel will also address compliance with LSC lobbying restrictions applicable to LSC grantees in communicating with legislators.
Speakers
RS

Ronald S. Flagg

President, Legal Services Corporation
Ron Flagg was appointed President of the Legal Services Corporation effective February 20, 2020 and has served as Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel since 2013. He previously practiced commercial and administrative litigation at Sidley Austin LLP for 31 years, 27... Read More →
avatar for Laura Tuggle

Laura Tuggle

Executive Director, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Laura Tuggle has been the Executive Director of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) since May 2014 after beginning her career in 1993. She managed SLLS’ Housing Law Unit following Hurricane Katrina from 2005-2010. Laura's work includes direct services, systemic work and policy... Read More →
BB
AC

Ashley Campbell

CEO, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Ashley Campbell is the CEO of Legal Aid of North Carolina, where she leads a statewide organization advancing access to justice for more than two million income-eligible North Carolinians each year. She began her legal career at Legal Aid in 2003 as a staff attorney, representing... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina A
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

If You Build It, They Will [Advocate]: How to Develop Your Own Guardianship Defense Practice
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Governers 5&6
This interactive session will use best practices to help participants conceptualize a guardianship defense practice in their own organizations, from scratch. First, the session will give a high-level overview of guardianship defense law, including from the Older Americans Act regulations. Then, participants will be guided through a brainstorming session to identify key resources and collaborators in their communities to help make an organized guardianship defense program a reality.
Speakers
KN

Karen Nicolson

Executive Director, Center for Elder Law and Justice
SE

Sara E. Planthaber

Aging Services Program Specialist, Administration for Community Living
Sara Planthaber, JD, MSW, is an Aging Services Program Specialist with the Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services in the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. At ACL, Sara works on elder rights and elder justice programs... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Governers 5&6
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Media 101: Press Relations with a Small Team (or Without Comms Staff)
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 5
Many legal aid organizations don’t have dedicated communications staff — or they rely on split-duty staff juggling multiple roles. This workshop will introduce executive directors and grantee communications staff to the basics of media engagement and why it matters. Participants will learn how to build relationships with local reporters, establish a regular cadence for simple press outreach, and craft messaging that reinforces the essential role of civil legal aid. Presenters will share practical tips, templates, and examples that participants can take home and apply immediately to their own organizations.
Speakers
MD

Maria Duvuvuei

Communications Strategist, Legal Services Corporation
Maria Duvuvuei is Communications Strategist at the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), where she leads strategic communications efforts in support of civil legal aid nationwide. Detailed to the Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs, she manages LSC’s communications framework... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 5
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Power to the People: A Holistic Revolution to End Mass Incarceration Through Participatory Defense
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Governers 1&2
Participatory Defense is a community organizing model that empowers people facing charges and their families to shift power in the courtroom. It centers family and community strength, positions impacted people as organizers and agents of change, and uses individual cases to build a movement to hold courts accountable and end mass incarceration. This workshop explores partnerships between communities and public defender offices to challenge harmful policies, strengthen defense efforts, and leverage community power to bring loved ones home and drive systemic change.
Speakers
MW

Mitchelle Woodson

Legal Director, Pillars of the Community
Mitchelle is Legal Director at Pillars of the Community, overseeing Police Accountability and Law Office Study programs. She is a founding member of FREE-SD and the DeDe McClure Community Bail Fund, a national speaker on justice issues, and an award-winning advocate. She earned her... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Governers 1&2
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Reimagining the Justice Experience: Designing Justice Systems Through User Feedback and Lessons from Other Sectors
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 1
Learn from leaders in healthcare, business, and tech about how their industries transformed service delivery by centering the user. Participants will consider what it would mean to design the civil justice system with a parallel focus: creating a Justice Experience centered on the needs of low-income people navigating civil legal issues.
Speakers
SD

Samantha DiDomenico

Director, Stout
Samantha DiDomenico is a Director in Stout’s Transformative Change Consulting group. Samantha has 10 years of experience providing consulting services to for-profit and non-profit clients in a variety of industries. She has expertise in understanding large, complex systems and data... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Symphony 1
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

State Court Leadership Views on Authorized Justice Workers
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
This session will share preliminary findings from a multi-state study of state court leadership perceptions on authorized justice workers. Encouraged by resolutions passed by both the ABA House of Delegates and the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ)/Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) to study and explore community justice worker models in each state, this research project engages both the judiciary and court administrators in jurisdictions that have both already adopted justice worker reforms and states that have not.
Speakers
RS

Rebecca Sandefur

Professor, Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University
Dr. Rebecca Sandefur is the Director of the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University and a Faculty Fellow at the American Bar Foundation, where she founded and leads the Access to Justice Research Initiative. In 2018 she was named a MacArthur Fellow... Read More →
EC

Elizabeth Chambliss

Henry Harman Edens Professor of Law and Director, NMRS Center on Professionalism, University of South Carolina Rice School of Law
Elizabeth Chambliss is the Henry Harman Edens Professor of Law and Director of the NMRS Center on Professionalism at the University of South Carolina Rice School of Law. She received her JD and PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin. Her scholarship focuses on civil access... Read More →
CC

Cassie Chambers Matthew Burnett

Professor of Law, University of Louisville School of Law
Professor Cassie Chambers Armstrong’s research explores access to justice, rural courts, domestic violence and housing law. She uses empirical methods to study how courts function across geographic regions and areas of law. Professor Armstrong graduated from Harvard Law School... Read More →
AM

Alyx Mark

Professor, Wesleyan University
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 1
  Sessions

4:15pm EDT

Understanding & Addressing Burnout
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
Legal aid and pro bono professionals face unique pressures that put them at high risk of burnout.This session explores what burnout is, the biology of the stress cycle, and how to spot early signs. Participants will learn practical ways to prevent and address burnout, including tools to close the stress cycle and create a personal red flags and response plan for greater well-being.
Speakers
JR

Julia R. Wilson

Coach & Consultant, Julia Wilson Coaching
Julia R. Wilson is a leadership and team coach working with individuals and teams in civil legal services nonprofits across the country. She brings 3 decades of experience in legal services, including roles as a frontline attorney, executive director, and board member. She is certified... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 4:15pm - 5:30pm EDT
Mecklenburg 3
  Sessions
 

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Tuesday, May 12
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1327 S Mint St. Charlotte, NC, 28203
Cardinal 1 - 3
Carolina A
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Lower Symphony Lounge
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