2025 Equal Justice Conference: Full Schedule

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8:30am EDT

Law School and Order: Special Pro Bono Unit

Friday May 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am EDT

Learn how Legal Aid of West Virginia and West Virginia University College of Law collaborate to increase pro bono attorney assistance and mentorship through various legal clinics staffed by students and volunteers. The panel will share lessons learned that could be applied by other legal aid organizations and law schools.

Speakers

Maria Almase

Molly Russell

Pro Bono Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid of West Virginia

Molly Russell (she/her) is a practicing attorney with the Morgantown Office at Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc. She is the Pro Bono Supervising Attorney, where she works with the private attorney involvement staff to recruit, retain, and educate pro bono attorneys statewide. Prior... Read More →

Jennifer Stephens

Friday May 16, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am EDT
Plaza Room A

Sessions

10:00am EDT

The 2024 California Justice Gap Study: Utilizing Data and Research to Support Policy Initiatives

Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am EDT

Plaza Room A

The State Bar of California’s 2019 California Justice Gap Study highlighted significant barriers to legal access for low-income Californians. A 2024 follow up study will update research and recommendations to address ongoing gaps to support policies that promote access to legal aid and pro bono service. The presentation will include discussions of the methodology, research, and findings of the 2024 study and how attendees may utilize data and research to drive policy initiatives to address the justice gap.

Speakers

Lisa Chavez

Program Director, State Bar of California

Lisa Chavez is a Program Director at the State Bar of California, Office of Research and Statistics, where she leads teams in conducting groundbreaking research that supports the State Bar’s mission and strategic plan. As a strategic leader with extensive experience in quantitative... Read More →

Elizabeth Hom

Program Director, State Bar of Calfornia

Elizabeth A. Hom is a Program Director at the State Bar of California, Office of Access & Inclusion, where she advances the State Bar’s efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. Elizabeth supports administration of grants to legal aid organizations throughout... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
Plaza Room A

Sessions