Using case studies from three different states, the panel will provide an overview of how utility debt—especially water, sewage, and trash debt—impacts low-income people, share legal strategies to challenge that debt, and provide examples of affordability programs that have helped reduce racial inequities in access to safe and affordable utilities.
Starting a pro se self-help center sounds daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, we will share the story of how our program started a pro se self-help center using our existing staff and funding, and give participants the tools to start their own center.
Law students are an important part of the pro bono delivery pipeline. In this session, you will learn about how to engage students in pro bono delivery, including how to build partnerships to involve law students in pro bono and respond to urgent needs with law student assistance.
Talking about money can be tough! This session delves into the intersection of pro bono work and charitable giving at law firms. Participants will discuss strategies to enhance impact, including meaningful partnerships, innovative post-pandemic fundraising modalities, and collective action to advance access to justice for underserved communities.
Legal aid providers can protect the rights of older adults by expanding guardianship defense programs and services. This session highlights the guardianship defense provisions in the updated Older Americans Act regulations and showcases the Guardianship Defense Cohort, a group of legal aid organizations that built capacity for this critical work.
