MinnLawyer Blog

If receiving recognition from the White House is an indication that a program is a success, then last week’s pro bono celebration was a hit.

Nearly 600 events took place across the country during the American Bar Association’s first National Pro Bono Celebration week, Oct. 25–31. In a letter dated Oct. 30, President Barack Obama expressed his “deep appreciation” to all who participated in the celebration.

“Pro bono lawyers work tirelessly to break down barriers to opportunity and justice, volunteering countless hours to provide critical legal services to our most vulnerable citizens,” the president wrote.

According to Mark Schickman, chair of the National Pro Bono Celebration Week, law firms around the country hosted events to recruit more pro bono lawyers, state and local bar associations offered legal clinics and law schools presented discussions on such topics as domestic violence and bankruptcy. Here in Minnesota, a variety of similar events were held throughout the week.

While certainly a lot of local lawyers do a lot of pro bono work already, hopefully the events, seminars and receptions held last week inspired even more to begin pitching in.

Kudos to all those who organized the celebration!