2026 Equal Justice Conference

Senior supervising attorneys in legal aid organizations often juggle high caseloads while serving as the connective tissue of their programs. Too often, their role is framed narrowly as case oversight, rather than as an opportunity to build organizational capacity and shape culture. This session reframes supervision as a lever for change. Through interactive discussion, real-world case studies, and practical tools, participants will explore how supervisors can develop staff skills, embed equity in everyday practice, and pilot innovative workflows that ripple beyond their teams. Attendees will leave with frameworks for shifting from “approver of work” to “capacity-builder,” strategies for balancing advocacy with leadership, and templates for implementing small-scale changes that drive systemic impact.

Generative AI has the potential to increase access to justice, but only if we engage in responsible use. To do this, we must thoroughly test AI tool performance for accuracy and iterate models based on results – before the tool is launched and after. Panelists will discuss why evaluation is key; how they determine acceptable error rates based on use and audience; how much testing is necessary; and testing methods and strategies that attendees can use.

What do firm and corporate partners want and need in a pro bono partnership? How can we motivate transactional corporate attorneys to take pro bono cases in court? Is it awkward to ask a firm to pay for lunch? Hear from corporate and law firm pro bono leaders in a Q&A style panel, and brainstorm ways to improve partnerships between firms, corporations, and legal services organizations.