Pro Bono

On-Demand Learning

On-Demand Web Programs

From the program: Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors and their Children Part II 2010: Obtaining Safe Custody/Visitation Orders (FREE)

Released on: Jun. 22, 2010

Please check this program's credit status and eligibility in your jurisdiction before requesting credit. Millions of Californians are unrepresented in Family Court matters (an estimated 80% of litigants are unrepresented). Low-income clients are in desperate need of your pro bono help. Attend this free PLI program, Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors and their Children Part II on how to obtain safe custody/visitation orders and volunteer with ...

From the program: Veterans Issues: Family Law, Consumer Rights, Job Protection and Diversionary Courts

Released on: Nov. 22, 2011

Learn about laws, courts and practices that protect or are designed for veterans.  The three hour program will inform and update general practitioners and the criminal bar about each. Lecture Topics  [Total time 03:15:13] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program. Program Overview* [00:04:23] Theresa Mesa Veterans in the Criminal Justice System: Penal Code 1170.9 [01:08:14]  ...

From the program: Bankruptcy, Mortgages and Foreclosure: What Bankruptcy Can and Can't Do for Borrowers in Distress

Released on: Apr. 12, 2012

In this training you will get an overview of how consumer bankruptcy interacts with mortgage debt and foreclosures.  During the session, practitioners working at the intersection of these two crucial areas in consumer law will provide a basic overview of consumer bankruptcy; share tools for assessing whether bankruptcy might help - or harm - a delinquent borrower; and discuss how bankruptcy can be used to address mortgage ...

From the program: Expanding Your Practice Using Limited Scope Representation 2012

Released on: May. 2, 2012

This program will provide an introduction to the rapidly changing practice of limited scope representation (often called “unbundling”) in a family law context, including all of the fee agreements, forms and other materials you will need to practice limited scope representation competently, safely and profitably.Lecture Topics  [Total time 03:05:29] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program. Program ...

From the program: Connecting the Dots: Family Law, Housing Law, and Trusts and Estates Practitioners Discuss Mortgage Debt, Families and Foreclosure (Free)

Released on: Jun. 12, 2012

View this training for an overview of legal and practical problems that arise within families and with mortgage servicers regarding mortgage debts, mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure when real property is co-owned by family members or is transferred in connection with death or divorce or other family changes.  During the session, practitioners specializing in family law, trusts and estates and housing law, respectively, will provide ...

From the program: Pathways to Justice 2012: Special Housing Updates (Free)

Released on: Jun. 22, 2012

PLI has joined with the State Bar of California Office of Legal Services to share special sessions from the 2012 Pathways to Justice Conference.  The sessions will focus on hot topics in housing law, including affordable housing, tenant relocation and replacement housing in the wake of the foreclosure and economic crises, and recent developments in fair housing and anti-discrimination laws, litigation, and enforcement.  The panelists are ...

From the program: Adoption Law Institute 2012

Released on: Jul. 4, 2012

The ALL NEW 2012 Adoption Law Institute will address current issues and new developments in adoption law in the United States and around the world, and explore modifications and alternatives to traditional adoptions, which raise ethical and practice considerations. The faculty and the course handbook materials will provide practice tips and practical solutions to a broad range of issues that legal and social work professionals commonly confront ...

From the program: Subsidized Housing Basics 2012 (Free)

Released on: Jul. 12, 2012

This substantive training provides a comprehensive overview of the federal housing programs, recent changes, current trends, and issues facing practitioners.  The training is designed for advocates with limited housing experience, but practitioners at all experience levels should be able to benefit from this training.  The panelists are noted experts in housing law who will cover a broad-ranged of topics in federally-subsidized housing with ...

From the program: Writing for Litigators 2012

Released on: Jul. 24, 2012

Do you feel compelled to include phrases like “wherefore,” “heretofore,” and “albeit” in your writing? What actually is good legal writing? This program will teach you the secrets of successful legal writing, whether you are writing for judges, partners, or clients. Lecture Topics  [Total time 02:41:08] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program. Introduction* ...

From the program: Municipal Law Institute (12th Annual)

Released on: Jul. 27, 2012

Regardless of experience level, municipal attorneys practicing in a city law department will want to view this Institute, which equips you with analyses of important developments, emerging legal issues and best practices in the field of municipal law. Lecture Topics  [Total time 06:11:01] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program. Introduction* [00:07:11] Martha J. Mullen, ...

From the program: Children's Law Institute (15th Annual)

Released on: Aug. 13, 2012

Whether representing children, parents or a child welfare or foster care agency, in private practice, government, public interest practice or as a policy advocate, the issues and the environment in which advocates operate is increasingly complex.  This year, PLI’s 15th Annual Children’s Law Institute will focus on a variety of social and legal issues affecting child welfare practice. Lecture Topics  [Total time 06:23:10] Segments ...

From the program: Prison Law 2012

Released on: Aug. 17, 2012

Whether representing prisoners while in private practice, public interest practice or as a policy advocate, the issues and the environment in which advocates operate is increasingly challenging and complex.  This year, PLI’s third annual program on Prison Law will address the legal framework for civil litigation filed on behalf of prisoners in federal and state courts, from a national perspective. Lecture Topics  [Total time 06:27:32] Segments ...

From the program: Supreme Court Review (14th Annual): October 2011 Term

Released on: Aug. 23, 2012

A distinguished faculty of leading constitutional scholars, civil rights experts, a  law school dean and a Supreme Court journalist will analyze, discuss, and debate the leading Supreme Court decisions of the October 2011 Term.  The faculty represent a variety of constitutional views and perspectives.  The decisions will be analyzed for their precedential, doctrinal and, where appropriate, societal and litigation significance. Lecture ...

From the program: Ethical Issues in California Pro Bono Representation

Released on: Sep. 20, 2012

While the ethical obligations of Pro Bono legal practice are no different than a commercial law practice, there are practical considerations regarding eligibility of clients, challenging clients, conflicts (similar in theory, different in practice settings), expectations on both sides, case management responsibility, and different delivery models, such as limited scope representation, that cause many professionals to hesitate offering pro bono legal ...

From the program: Courtroom Skills for Pro Bono Attorneys (Free)

Released on: Oct. 5, 2012

Use this training for an overview of trial skills helpful to attorneys handling Pro Bono litigation matters particularly in an Unlawful Detainer context. Unlawful Detainers as summary proceedings provide unique challenges in trial preparation and representation. This three hour training is designed for practitioners at all experience levels. The panelists are experienced litigators in Pro Bono cases and eviction defense. This training provides ...

From the program: Judges' Pet Peeves 2012: Tips From the Bench on Trial Practice

Released on: Oct. 19, 2012

Do you wonder what the judges really think about your case? In this candid program, you will hear - directly from the judges - how they view trial practice and how lawyers can help (or sabotage) their cases. Lecture Topics  [Total time 02:04:05] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program. Introduction* [00:02:03] Mark C. Zauderer Judicial Pet Peeves in ...

From the program: Global Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategies and Collaborations

Released on: Oct. 24, 2012

Increasingly, in-house counsel, law firms, and NGOs are collaborating across borders on a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, including pro bono representations to impact complex social problems.  This program will address perspectives and new models for collaborations, as well as strategic alignments with private sector interests. Lecture Topics  [Total time 02:54:07] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only ...

From the program: Tax, Credit and Other Financial Consequences of Foreclosures, Short Sales and Mortgage Loan Principal Forgiveness (Free)

Released on: Oct. 24, 2012

This training will help improve your ability to counsel homeowners in financial distress.  The training will provide an overview of the financial issues - including tax and credit consequences - homeowners may face after a foreclosure, short sale or loan modification.  Tax experts will explain the fundamentals of how cancelled mortgage debt is treated under state and federal tax law, and provide insights into changes ...

From the program: California Guardianship Law 2012 (Free)

Released on: Nov. 21, 2012

Learn the basics of guardianship law and procedure so that you can competently represent a child or adult petitioner in establishing a guardianship of the person.  This program will teach you how to represent parties in both uncontested and contested guardianship proceedings.  There will also be a discussion regarding referrals to Juvenile Dependency Court under Probate Code 1513(c), including recent case law and proposed legislative ...

From the program: Immigration & Naturalization Institute (45th Annual)

Released on: Dec. 4, 2012

This year’s program will examine key immigration trends and hot topics for 2012.  You will hear from Washington insiders about what is likely to happen with immigration legislation during this election year.  Will anything move on bills eliminating the per-country limit for employment-based cases, or increasing immigration opportunities for high-skilled workers?  Will the Obama Administration’s recent actions on business ...

From the program: Representing Tenants in Unlawful Detainer Actions in San Francisco 2012 (Free)

Released on: Dec. 27, 2012

For low-income families who often do not have the benefit of legal counsel, eviction can mean homelessness. Most are unrepresented.  Won’t you volunteer to help those in our community who are most vulnerable?  Get the legal training you need in this program and then sign up with The Volunteer Legal Services Program of The Bar Association of San Francisco and make a difference. Lecture Topics  [Total time 03:10:50] Segments ...

From the program: Nonprofit Organizations 2012: Governance, Compensation, and Form 990 Reporting Issues

Released on: Dec. 28, 2012

Nonprofit organizations today face greater scrutiny and complex regulatory guidelines.  Nonprofit Organizations 2012: Governance, Compensation, and Form 990 Reporting Issues will bring you up-to-date on the latest developments and unique financial and regulatory issues that impact the nonprofit sector. Lecture Topics  [Total time 03:01:48] Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program.  ...

From the program: Ethical Issues in Pro Bono Representation 2012

Released on: Jan. 1, 2013

This program is dedicated to the memory of Steven H. Leleiko, Vice President, Practising Law Institute, who passed away in December 2008 after serving PLI for more than 25 years. In addition to his on-going responsibilities, Steve was deeply committed and devoted much of his time to pro bono and ethics training.   Using hypotheticals as the basis for discussion, the faculty will analyze new developments and everyday ethical issues that arise ...

From the program: Basic Negotiation Skills 2013

Released on: Jan. 28, 2013

Negotiation is part of any lawyer’s everyday life.  You negotiate with colleagues, clients, and staff about an array of issues, ranging from simple project deadlines to complex contractual language.  This program is designed to help you gain confidence in every negotiation you conduct.  The panelists represent academicians, sole practitioners, and members of leading local law firms. Lecture Topics [Total time 06:12:31] Segments ...

From the program: Residential Lending after the Crash: An Update on How Dodd-Frank and the CFPB Have Changed the Rules of Home Loan Origination (Free)

Released on: Feb. 12, 2013

The rules of the road for residential lending have changed dramatically since the crash in 2008 and the subsequent passage of the Dodd-Frank amendments to the Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).  In this training you will get an in-depth look at what’s new and what’s different, including an update on recent rulemaking by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).  Regulators ...