2026 Equal Justice Conference

Great pro bono programs don’t just recruit volunteers -- they build systems that set them up for success. This panel explores practical strategies for onboarding, training, and retaining volunteers, with real-world models from Pro Bono Network and Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida. Ideal for legal aid staff, pro bono coordinators, and law firm professionals who design or support attorney engagement and training efforts.

In an interactive lecture format, attendees will learn the basics of the Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“504”) coupled with effective strategies to fight disability discrimination against applicants and recipients of Public Assistance, SNAP and Medicaid. There will be several interactive hypotheticals to facilitate issue spotting, and participants will learn the nuts and bolts of investigating and developing federal ADA/504 complaints. There will be an update on the rapidly changing legal landscape of the ADA/504.

This session combines a brief presentation with facilitated small-group conversations to show how community justice workers and trauma-informed approaches can keep youth out of the justice system. Participants will engage directly with scenarios and problem-solving discussions, leaving with practical strategies to strengthen families, build trust, and improve community safety.