Empowering Justice: The Imperative Need for Pro Bono
Celebrating Pro Bono Week: October 20 - 24, 2025
Each October Minnesota recognizes its pro bono commitment in tandem with the American Bar Association’s national Pro Bono Week Celebration. Pro bono work is a professional responsibility and an individual ethical commitment of each lawyer. Since 2009, legal organizations across America participate in the ABA’s national celebration because of the increasing need for pro bono services during harsh economic times and the unprecedented response of attorneys to meet this demand.
This national initiative honors the work of Minnesota lawyers who dedicate time to pro bono. Learn new skills. Discover opportunities. Make a difference. And thank you for providing Pro Bono services during the year.
The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), Justice North, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM), and Volunteer Lawyers Network invite you to participate in a week-long series of CLEs and social events for pro bono lawyers and advocates. Here is a round-up of the weeks’ events:
Monday, October 20
Empowering Justice: The Imperative Need for Pro Bono
A dynamic lunchtime session focused on the urgent need for volunteer legal services. Hear from judicial and bar leaders about their support for pro bono work, learn about the challenges facing legal aid organizations, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact.
Tuesday, October 21
Legal Tools in Action: Power of Attorney and Parental Delegation in Pro Bono Practice
This session offers a practical overview of two essential legal documents—Power of Attorney and Delegation of Parental Authority—and their relevance in pro bono legal work.
Justice North PAI Pro Bono Week Training - Supporting Clients Impacted by Exploitation and Human Trafficking in Minnesota
A presentation by Mel Alvar at the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) and Anne LaFrinier-Ritchie, Safe Harbor Regional Navigator for Someplace Safe.Legal Aid Lights the Way
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid has expanded its Minneapolis-based Community Legal Clinics to reach more neighbors. By partnering with community and cultural centers, Legal Aid can deliver life-changing legal help in real time. Celebrate with our partners, staff, sponsors, and supporters. Don't miss out on the fun or LIVE music!
Wednesday, October 22
Stepping into Housing Court: A Practical Guide for Volunteer Attorneys
A skills-based overview designed to equip legal professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively volunteer in Housing Court.
Thursday, October 23
The Power of Pro Bono CLE
Join LSNM for a full day of insightful discussions and legal education. This seminar features sessions led by experienced attorneys and advocates, covering essential topics such as estate planning, elder justice, and strategies for maintaining healthy professional boundaries.VLN Immigration Series: The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench
Join the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) for one or more of these 8-week noon-hour immigration CLE sessions on Thursdays through November 20.ID Document Corrections in Minnesota
This CLE will cover everything you need to know to help folks through name changes, gender marker corrections on ID documents, understand the current policy landscape, and correctly identify any the common legal issues that arise.
Friday, October 24
Racial Impact Sensitivity Education
Racial Impact Sensitivity Education (RISE) training empowers volunteer attorneys to confront Minnesota’s deep racial disparities, grasp the weight of racial trauma and sharpen their advocacy for pro bono clients through practical, equity-driven resources.Law Law Palooza
This unforgettable evening features live performances by musicians from within the Minnesota legal community, including The Rock Gut Whiskey Blues Band, The Courthouse Follies, The Reasonable Doubts (a band made up of Minnesota Supreme Court Justices and District Court Judges), and more.