2026 Equal Justice Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.