The week-long campaign is designed to spotlight the work lawyers do for those who have difficulty paying for legal services, while also helping recruit new attorneys to fill the gaps in representation. "Although national in breadth, this initiative provides an opportunity for legal organizations across the country to collaboratively commemorate the vitally important contributions of America's lawyers and to recruit and train the many additional volunteers required to meet the growing demand," according to the event organizers. "With the enthusiastic involvement of national, statewide and local partners, from all components of the legal profession, the National Pro Bono Celebration is creating a wave of positive energy about the pro bono movement in this country."
This year, the week will be dedicated to legal help for sexual and domestic violence survivors. American Bar Association (ABA) President Judy Perry Martinez, who formerly served as the chairwoman of the group's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence, said these services are critical. " ... I saw firsthand the importance of pro bono legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Legal assistance can literally mean the difference between life and death," said Martinez in a statement. "Mobilizing lawyers throughout the country to provide services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the National Celebration of Pro Bono is part of our long-term commitment to furthering access to justice. Having the opportunity to serve will make us all better lawyers and better people."
The awareness week began in 2009. Since then more than 8,000 events in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and Canada have taken place. Past years have been dedicated to homeless youth, veterans and disaster resiliency.
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Learning the impact of trauma from Ashley Lowe - CEO of @MICH_legalaid #ALawyerHelps #LegalFirstResponder @MIStateBar @OakBar @StrakerBarAssoc #AccessToJustice #ProBonoMonth
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Per the ABA, National Celebration of Pro Bono events include:
- Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C.- Washington Council of Lawyers hosts a tour of the D.C. Superior Court's criminal and domestic violence divisions
- Oct. 25 in Fayetteville, Arkansas- University of Arkansas School of Law hosts family law clinic in support of domestic violence survivors.
- Oct. 25 in Hempstead, N.Y- Hofstra University School of Law offers training for representing domestic abuse victims during divorce proceedings.
- Oct. 25 in Maryville, Tennessee- Blount County Public Library hosts legal advice clinic at no charge for domestic violence victims.
- Oct. 25 in Los Angeles- the Los Angeles County Law Library offers free CLE in "domestic violence restraining order training."
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, according to information from Break the Cycle. "[The awareness month] first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country," according to the advocacy group.