Those in attendance got an update on fundraising and legal aid messaging from a statewide and national perspective; learned how law firms, corporate in-house legal departments and legal aid programs can strategically collaborate; challenges facing legal aid programs; effective responses to rapidly changing issues; tech tips; and updates on online free legal resources. State Bar staff demonstrated mi.freelegalanswers.org, a new pro bono opportunity launched in Genesee County that will soon go statewide.
The workshop was sponsored by the SBM Pro Bono Initiative, which is responsible for encouraging and coordinating the delivery of pro bono legal services in Michigan. It also plays a critical leadership role in promoting policies and mechanisms to support lawyers in their effort to fulfill their ethical responsibility to assist in providing civil legal services to the poor.