Learning Lab

ETHICS: Pro Bono is Not a Dirty Word

As legal providers face reductions in funding, engaging larger numbers of private attorneys in pro bono is increasingly critical to ensuring fairness for those who cannot afford a lawyer. At the same time, the term "pro bono" has been used in the media to encompass issues beyond the traditional meaning set out in ABA Model Rule 6.1, focusing on the provision of free legal services to persons of limited means. Join us for an engaging discussion on how we, as a community, can refocus the conversation on ensuring that those who cannot afford a lawyer are able to access legal help and on motivating lawyers to volunteer. Panelists will reference Supporting Justice V and other studies to promote strategies for effectively communicating the need for and commitment to pro bono.

  • Attendees will be able to describe the definition of pro bono as set out in Model Rule 6.1
  • Attendees will be able to verbalize the difference between pro bono, public service and community service.
  • Attendees will be able to analyze whether a specific activity meets the definition of pro bono as set out in Model Rule 6.1,

Cheryl Zalenski, n/a

Counsel

American Bar Association

As Counsel to the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, Cheryl Zalenski supports the ABA’s efforts to encourage and grow pro bono activity among all segments of the legal profession. The Committee is the primary sponsor of the annual ABA Pro Bono Publico Awards and of ABA Free Legal Answers, a virtual legal clinic. The Committee co-sponsors the annual Equal Justice Conference with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. In her capacity, Ms. Zalenski has authored numerous articles on pro bono engagement and is a regular speaker on pro bono policy and management. She received the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals Tanya Neiman Pro Bono Professional of the Year in 2021. Ms. Zalenski joined the ABA in 1999.

Paul Lee

Board Member and Pro Bono Partner

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance and Steptoe & Johnson LLP, respectively

Paul Lee coordinates Steptoe's pro bono program and mentors on a variety of pro bono matters, particularly those involving immigration and juvenile law. He has responsibility for all aspects of the firm's pro bono efforts and serves as the firm's point person in working with legal service organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Paul brings a wealth of experience in the management of a multinational law firm pro bono program. As pro bono counsel at his prior firm, he developed multi-office projects in the areas of representing immigrants, assisting veterans, and meeting the needs of the homeless. Paul previously served as the pro bono coordinator for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a national organization providing pro bono representation to unaccompanied immigrant children. He launched the DC field office of KIND, liaising with multiple law firms, border agencies, courts, child welfare organizations, schools and other community groups. Paul also previously served with an international law firm as a Georgetown pro bono fellow.

Paul was recently re-elected to another term on the DC Bar Board of Governors as well as a board member of the DC Bar Pro Bono Center. He also serves on the board and is a past president of the Washington Council of Lawyers, the District’s public interest bar association. Paul was recently appointed to serve as a commissioner on the DC Access to Justice Commission and also named to the board of directors of Ayuda, a DC-based immigration legal services provider. Paul was an inaugural member of the DC Bar Foundation Young Lawyers' Network, and is a former board member of the LGBT Bar Association of the District of Columbia, where he chairs the scholarship program for law students with LGBT summer internships.

Eve Runyon

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