Half Day Program

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Overview

Why You Should Attend
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 to offer pro bono legal services. This program is designed to answer questions regarding the ethical obligations of pro bono legal service, encourage attorneys to engage in this professionally rewarding aspect of law practice, and remove ambiguities that are barriers to engaging in pro bono legal services.

What You Will Learn
Attorneys knowledgeable about professional responsibility and pro bono service, who work in legal services, law firms, private bar programs and in-house corporate law departments will discuss the application of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and, where relevant, the Proposed California Rules of Professional Conduct to pro bono legal service in different settings. The faculty will begin with the basics of pro bono, including the definition of “Pro Bono” for lawyers, why it is considered an important part of the profession, and ethical concerns unique to pro bono, as opposed to the commercial practice of law.

The faculty will also address emerging ethical issues in developing areas, such as pro bono clinics, pro bono in Federal courts, and the impact of technology in pro bono legal services.  This year's program will feature a special discussion on remote delivery of services and ethical considerations that arise during local or regional emergencies and public disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Finally, the faculty will discuss hypothetical fact patterns to illustrate the application of the rules.

Who Should Attend
Law firm pro bono coordinators, partners, and associates, legal services pro bono coordinators and staff, in-house corporate pro bono managers and counsels, solos, small and medium firm attorneys engaged in pro bono legal services, court-based program administrators for self-represented litigants, judges, and everyone interested in access to justice.
 

Credit Details

Schedule & Location