Did you miss out on this year's travel packages, silent auction items, or hand decorated wine glasses by local artists? The Pro Bono Project is hosting a second chance online auction for these fabulous items that were originally featured at this year's Justice For All Ball. Bidding starts today!
Read MoreClose to the Finish Line - A Message from Our JFAB Chairs
Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/probono.no.org/videos/1970946973115253/
Meet our Summer 2022 Interns
Meet Sarah deQuay…
I am a rising 3L at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. My experience with the Pro Bono Project has been super rewarding already. I love that every day is different and filled with new learning experiences. This opportunity has truly opened my eyes to the challenges so many people face in accessing and navigating the legal system. I cherish the fact that I am able to help people through these hurdles with all of the lovely attorneys and staff at the Pro Bono Project. I look forward to continuing this work throughout the summer and for the rest of my legal career!
Meet Jack Vitter…
I am a rising junior undergraduate at the University of Georgia. My major is political science, and I plan on attending law school after college. I really look forward to being able to assist a variety of clients with legal aid and, as result, hopefully give them better peace of mind. Interning at the Pro Bono Project has been such an educational experience and allowed me to truly see how important free legal help is for so many people. The staff has been extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful with any problems. I will not take this incredible opportunity for granted, and I really look forward to doing more pro bono work in my future legal career.
Meet Deja Wells…
I am a rising 2L at Tulane Law. I plan to take the Texas Bar exam following graduation. I hope to start as a public defender, and to gain experience in the court room to start my own non-profit. I plan to use my law degree as a platform to allow me make a difference in our education system. Interning at the Pro Bono Project has been a very rewarding experience. I appreciate being able to work with experienced lawyers, staff, and other volunteers. Working here has made me realize the importance of having lawyers that are invested in helping people who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.
Meet Jada Doucet…
I am a rising 2L at Loyola. While I am unsure exactly what type of law I want to practice after graduating, I want to gain as much knowledge and experience in as many different types of law as I can. Working for The Pro Bono Project has been such an enlightening and rewarding experience for me and has provided me with tons of practical knowledge, as well. I have enjoyed meeting lots of people and getting familiar with the Orleans and Jefferson court systems (and making a few friends there). One of my favorite experiences has been working at the Self Help Resource Center and assisting people with navigating the court system as a self-representing litigant. I'm looking forward to the rest of my summer with The Pro Bono Project, as well as seeing the ways that my time there has prepared me for my future!
Meet Jace Austin…
I am a rising 3L at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, who plans to practice in Louisiana after graduation. I am interested in social justice litigation, criminal law, and real estate law. Being a native of New Orleans, I joined the PBP with the hopes of gaining experience with helping my community navigate through their legal issues. PBP has provided me the most immersive opportunity to provide that assistance to date. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the summer.
Hurricane Preparation
Today is the start of Hurricane Season, and we are predicted to see above average activity. When a storm arises, it’s hard to know what to bring during an evacuation and even harder to make the decision when time is limited. We want to help make things a little easier for you as you navigate this potentially stressful time of year. Please use this checklist to gather essential documents as you prepare for Hurricane Season!
Watch our Staff Attorney for Successions & Community Outreach, Rachel Jokinen, discuss important legal documents to take with you during an evacuation:
We're back! A Message from the Justice For All Ball Chairs
We are honored to serve as the 2022 Chairs of The Pro Bono Project’s 34th Annual Justice For All Ball. As a past supporter of the Justice For All Ball (“JFAB”), you are well aware of the importance of The Pro Bono Project’s (“The Project”) important work in delivering free civil legal services to the underserved in our community.
Read MoreThe Pro Bono Project Needs You in 2022
Building a stronger culture of pro bono across the state of Louisiana sets the stage for 2022 as a year of collaboration, community, and access to justice. The Pro Bono Project is thrilled to join the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Access to Justice Commission, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana in the “20 in 2022” campaign. Our goal is to enlist lawyers to devote 20 pro bono hours a year. With the support of the local bar and judiciary, we are recruiting both young and seasoned practitioners to support access to justice for those Louisianans needing basic legal help.
Read MoreThe Pro Bono Project's 2022 Board of Directors
The Pro Bono Project is pleased to announce its new officers and board members for 2022:
Officers
Jedd S. Malish | Chair
King & Jurgens, L.L.C.
Lacey Rochester | Vice Chair
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.
Tracey N. Knight | Secretary
U.S. Attorney’s Office - EDLA
Kelly Donaghy | Treasurer
Pan American Life Insurance Group
Sharonda R. Williams | Immediate Past Chair
Loyola University New Orleans
Volunteer Appreciation Awards 2021
Every year, we honor lawyers, law firms, students, organizations, and members of the judiciary who have provided, improved, and excelled in the delivery of volunteer legal services. These services are of critical importance to the increasing number of people in our area.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we will host our Volunteer Appreciation Event virtually with pre-recorded content posted on our website and social media pages. We will post this year’s content on Thursday, January 6th.
Read MoreGiving Tuesday - A Time for Thanks
The holidays are a time to pause and be grateful. The Pro Bono Project is deeply appreciative of all our volunteers, supporters, and funders. Without you, we would be unable to provide legal services and access to justice to the most vulnerable in our community. 2021 has brought many challenges, but our community demonstrates its resilience with their commitment to pro bono.
Read MoreNational Pro Bono Week - Sunday, October 24th to Saturday, October 30
The National Celebration of Pro Bono starts on October 24th! Throughout the country, legal aid organizations celebrate the lawyers and law students who donate their time to provide legal services to those who cannot afford a lawyer. 💙❤️
Check out the many ways you can volunteer with The Pro Bono Project. http://probono-no.org/volunteer-opportunities
Read MoreThe Spirit of Justice - A Virtual Celebration
The Pro Bono Project's "Spirit of Justice" campaign is in full swing! Check out our Silent Auction items (auction closes on Thursday, 10/21), fabulous recipes from our past in-person galas, photos, donor appreciation, and client testimonials. http://probono-no.org/justice-for-all-ball-2021-virtual
Read MoreHurricane Ida Resources
Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Southeast Louisiana on August 29, 2021 - sixteen years after Katrina. The next few weeks and months will present many challenges as our community recovers from the storm and its aftermath.
Like Katrina, our community will look to one another for information, support, and assistance. The staff and volunteers of The Pro Bono Project are here for Southeast Louisiana. For legal and non-legal resources, consult our Hurricane Resource page and contact us with any questions. To apply for legal assistance, call 504.581.4043 or go online to our application for legal assistance.
Read More33rd Annual Justice For All Ball - Canceled
The Pro Bono Project has made the difficult decision to cancel our annual fundraiser, the Justice For All Ball, previously scheduled for Friday, September 17, 2021. This was not an easy decision as our supporters have been looking forward to an in-person event since last fall. However, our Board of Directors and staff know this is the right decision to make given the ongoing public health impact of the pandemic. The safety of our attendees and the community is our priority.
Read MoreThank You to Our 2021 Summer Gillis Long Interns
For over thirty years, the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola University College of Law provides law students the opportunity to serve the greater good while supplementing their coursework with real world legal research and practice. Each summer, The Project welcomes interns who gain invaluable legal experience and skills while assisting us in our mission to provide free civil legal aid to under-served members of our community.
Working with our staff, clients, and volunteers, Jordan Giles and Devon Clancy bring enthusiasm, energy, and a commitment to meeting today’s challenging times. Their work on our Successions program along with supporting our Divorce Workshops and Self Help Resource Centers has been exceptional. Today is Jordan's last day! We wish her well and know she is a friend to The Pro Bono Project for life. Devon will be staying on with us through the fall semester.
Read MoreWelcome to our New Director of Legal Services
We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn Fernandez Lafrentz as our new Director of Legal Services! Kathryn is a graduate of the University of California’s Berkeley School of Law. She began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Jay C. Zainey. As Director of Community Advocacy at Disability Rights of Louisiana, Kathryn provided legal oversight and case management support for state and federal programs that served people with disabilities. She later led campus wide efforts to promote equal access and inclusion at Tulane University. Kathryn joins The Pro Bono Project where she oversees all legal services including volunteer engagement and mentorship.
Read MoreGive NOLA Day on May 4th
Each day presents new challenges for all of us, but The Pro Bono Project's staff and volunteers are ready to address our community's legal needs. For over thirty-five years, the heart and soul of The Project has been the unwavering commitment of the legal community. Together we ensure access to justice for all during these challenging times.
This was demonstrated beautifully during this year’s Give NOLA Day. Our volunteers and supported stood up for those vulnerable in our community and who are in need of civil legal assistance. “At a time when there is so much need, the residents of Greater New Orleans have once again risen to the occasion and show their extraordinary generosity,” Greater New Orleans Foundation President & CEO Andy Kopplin said.
In addition to a $500 lagniappe prize, The Pro Bono Project raised $13,370 from 93 donors. This is the second highest total The Project has earned since Give NOLA Day began in 2014.
Read MoreBoysie Bollinger, Honorary Chair, invites you to attend the 33rd Annual Justice For All Ball
We are thrilled that our 33rd Annual Justice For All Ball will be held on September 17, 2021 at Mardi Gras World's Grand Oaks Mansion. After cancelling last year’s event due to the pandemic, the 2021 Justice For All Ball promises to be a celebration of our community’s resilience. We are honored to have Boysie Bollinger serve as our Honorary Chair this year. We look forward to a gala evening of fine food, spirits, and music.
Read More2021 Is the Year To Volunteer
The ongoing pandemic has created unique legal challenges in our community. Consider donating your time and legal knowledge by volunteering with The Pro Bono Project.
Read MoreThe Pro Bono Project's 2021 Board of Directors
It's a New Year and The Pro Bono Project welcomes its 2021 Board of Directors. We are grateful for the service of our directors and officers. They, along with our dedicated staff, are ready to fulfill our mission to provide free civil legal aid to under-served members of the community. The need is great and we will rise to meet these challenges. Join us.
Read MoreGive the Gift of Justice
On behalf of the staff and board of directors, thank you for your generous support of The Pro Bono Project this year. 2020 posed many challenges - both personally and professionally - for so many of us. Despite the many difficulties of this past year, hundreds of lawyers, law students, and volunteers donated thousands of hours in 2020 to help seniors, children, and families resolve legal issues that if left unaddressed would have threatened their safety and well-being. 2021 promises to be another year that will require the time, talent, and resources of our supporters and we are grateful to have you as an ally in our pursuit of civil legal justice
Your donation of time and money makes the difference in the lives of our clients. Read about our clients as they navigate the justice system and with our help resolve their legal issues.
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