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Philadelphia VIP held it’s annual Summer Pro Bono Program May 30, 2008. The event inspired and educated over 150 summer associates from 15 different firms to incorporate pro bono services into their legal careers from the beginning. Trainers from The SeniorLAW Center, Homeless Advocacy Project, The Nationalities Service Center and Philadelphia VIP shared their expertise in the areas of Life Planning Documents, Homeless Advocacy, Immigration and Nonprofit Issues.

 

The event commenced at the Philadelphia Bar Institute with an introduction and welcome from Sara Woods, Executive Director of Philadelphia VIP, followed by inspiring remarks by A. Michael Pratt, Chancellor-Elect of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and Michael Falk, dedicated Pro Bono attorney from Reed Smith. Professor Victoria Chase from Rutgers University School of Law and Debbie Freedman attorney from Community Legal Services spoke on how to interview a client. 

Immediately after the training session summer associates had the opportunity to eat lunch with one of the eighteen Judges to discuss the importance of pro bono work. These conversations led to active participation in free legal clinics for low-income Philadelphians throughout the city.  

 

Throughout Philadelphia low-income persons were assisted in the four areas of law taught at the Summer Pro Bono Program training. Summer associates participating in the Life Planning Documents training provided free legal services for low-income Philadelphians at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Philadelphia Society for Services to Children, North Broad Senior Center and Center in the Park. One woman attending a clinic expressed her excitement saying her doctor has routinely been requesting a health care directive and power of attorney from her yet she was unsure how she would be able to find the money to have them completed. These summer associates were able to provide a much needed service to those with the greatest need.    

 

Summer pro bono program was a success because of our many volunteers and supporters.