Each fall, the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service hosts the National Celebration of Pro Bono, a week of activities connecting pro bono providers and attorneys across the nation and showcasing the pro bono attorneys’ contributions to access to justice. The Richard and Ginni Mithoff Program marked the week with several events and pro bono opportunities for students.
During the week, students had the opportunity to participate in several Zoom programs highlighting pro bono efforts in Texas. In addition, Steven Schulman, pro bono partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Akin, gave an in-person presentation on the economics of law firm pro bono. Pro bono service opportunities for students included an exit session of the Small Business Wellness Project, a training and clinic of the Gender Affirmation Project, an Expunction Project work session, and a Supported Decision-Making clinic.
The week culminated with an outdoor celebration of pro bono and Change It Up!, the law school’s annual social justice orientation held online earlier in the fall. The picnic lunch included opportunities for students to meet with faculty and staff at topic-specific tables and much-enjoyed in-person conversations.
“It was wonderful to combine a celebration of National Pro Bono Week with a belated in-person Change It Up! gathering,” said Eden Harrington, director of the Justice Center. “After all this time apart, it was great to see so many students, faculty and staff talking together outside on a beautiful fall afternoon.”