2026 Equal Justice Conference: Full Schedule

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10:00am EDT

Utilizing an Externship, Secondee, or Retiree Model to Grow Pro Bono Engagement

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

11:30am EDT

Networking Lunch: Building a Shared Message for America’s Civil Justice System Together: From Challenges to Opportunity

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT

Carolina C

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Carolina C

Networking Lunch 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

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 →

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 →

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

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

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

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 →

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 →

Joseph Melo

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

10:00am EDT

11:30am EDT

1:15pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

4:15pm EDT

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