Pro Bono Week: Serving Justice. Strengthening Democracy.
Celebrating Pro Bono Week: October 26 - 30, 2026
Each October the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) recognizes its pro bono commitment in tandem with the American Bar Association’s national Pro Bono Week Celebration. The celebration honors the work of Minnesota lawyers who provide pro bono representation throughout the year, highlights opportunities for pro bono service, and provides meaningful CLE programs.
MSBA members are invited to attend no-cost Pro Bono Week programs with presentations from Bar partners including Fredrikson & Byron P.A., Faegre Drinker, Justice North, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Legal Rights Center, LegalCORPS, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, International Refugee Assistance Project, The Advocates for Human Rights, Democracy Forward, and more.
Here are highlights of the weeks’ programs and a link to partner and social events:
Monday, October 26, 2026
This CLE will explore how lawyers quickly adapted to pursue habeas corpus petitions, challenge federal government actions through impact litigation, and represented clients in refugee re-vetting interviews, often with little prior experience in these specialized fields. Participants will gain insight into how core lawyering skills can be transferred across practice areas, the power of collaborative pro bono networks, and lessons learned from responding to a rapidly evolving humanitarian and legal crisis. The CLE will begin with opening remarks from Judge Tunheim, Senior United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, focused on the importance of pro bono work more broadly.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Local nonprofits are always in need of legal support, and right now they’re being targeted by the federal government, which has tightened state and local oversight. Their budgets can’t keep up–and they need your help. Join us to learn about the MN Nonprofit Legal Services Initiative and the First Defense Hotline, two projects with particularly high need that experience has shown transactional attorneys are generally well-equipped to provide. You’ll leave with an excellent understanding of the need, the requirements of the work, and the next step you can take to get further trained or plugged in at once.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
This CLE will explore common mental health conditions and addictions focusing on the reported data regarding its prevalence in the legal community and the extent to which our own biases about individuals with mental health conditions may frustrate help seeking behavior. We will discuss the increased pressure that can be caused by external factors, such as Operation Metro Surge, and how several Minnesota organizations come together to provide support. This presentation will be a 1-hour Mental Health CLE credit.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Learn how community-based legal clinics are expanding access to justice through innovative partnerships and volunteer engagement. This session will provide an overview of the Legacy Links clinic model and the Transfer on Death Deed Clinic offered in partnership with county property records offices. Presenters will discuss common estate planning tools frequently addressed through these clinics, while highlighting opportunities for attorneys to make a meaningful impact through volunteer service.
Find more Pro Bono Week CLE presentations and the Pints & Pro Bono Social here.