Earlier this month, our country marked its 250th anniversary, a milestone that commemorates our nation’s bold declaration of self-government and our ongoing work to fulfill the democratic values at its core, including the promise of equal justice for all. 

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what it takes for a democracy under strain not just to endure, but to evolve and thrive. Democracy depends not only on elections and laws, but on people believing the system works fairly for them. Rights mean little if you don’t know they exist, can’t enforce them, or if access to them depends on what’s in your wallet.

Right now across America, millions of people are forced to navigate life-changing issues—eviction, losing custody of their children, navigating debt, or trying to secure basic safety—on their own because legal help is unavailable or unaffordable.  When people can’t use the law to protect their families, homes, or livelihoods, trust in our institutions, and in democracy itself, begins to erode.

Scale Justice exists to change that. 

With your support, we’ve been a transformative force for expanding legal help, working to ensure that access to justice is a right, not a privilege reserved for the few. 

We focus on people-centered but scalable solutions: helping people understand their rights, removing barriers that prevent people from getting help, expanding access to assistance, and partnering with legal aid organizations, courts, and community groups to help ensure everyday people can actually use the law to solve urgent problems. 

Please consider making a gift today to support this work. Your donation helps create a more just society where every person can understand, use, and benefit from the protections and opportunities our democracy is meant to provide.

Naturalization represents more than a legal status. It should be a promise of belonging, opportunity, and protection.

Today, as that promise is under attack at the highest levels, including the birthright citizenship case now before the Supreme Court, it is essential that the path to citizenship remains open and safe for the estimated nine million lawful permanent residents eligible to take this step.

The forces seeking to restrict access to citizenship don’t just shape headlines. They create real barriers for real people: healthcare workers, parents of military members, individuals granted asylum, and long-time residents who have lived, worked and contributed for years.

How Citizenshipworks helps:

  • Simple, step-by-step guidance in three languages
    Citizenshipworks walks applicants through the process, from checking eligibility to completing forms, in clear, plain language.
  • Access to trusted legal help
    When questions or concerns arise, individuals are connected to our network of nonprofit legal partners, either online or in their communities.
  • Reach and scale
    Over the past decade, Citizenshipworks has supported more than 79,000 people in starting or completing their naturalization journey, including over 40,800 who successfully prepared fileable N-400 applications.

As we continue this work, we remain committed to ensuring that aspiring Americans can access trusted information, reliable legal support, and a safe, affordable path to citizenship through Citizenshipworks.

At a time when navigating the naturalization process can feel increasingly uncertain, this support matters more than ever. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, thousands of individuals and families are able to move forward with confidence and dignity. If you would like to help expand access to these critical resources, we invite you to support this work and help keep the path to citizenship within reach for more communities nationwide.

March 16, 2026 — NEW YORK, NY — Pro Bono Net, the nation’s leading nonprofit access to justice technology innovator, today announced it is rebranding as Scale Justice, marking a new chapter in the organization’s 25-plus-year commitment to making legal help more equitable and attainable for millions.

The new name reflects the organization’s evolution from its founding mission—to harness technology to mobilize pro bono legal services—to its broader role as a national leader expanding justice and opportunity through digital innovation. Scale Justice’s work centers on a core belief: the law should be accessible to everyone, and technology and impactful partnerships can help make that possible.

“This is a really exciting time for our organization as we enter our next chapter with a new name and deep commitment to our mission,” said Zach Zarnow, Executive Director of Scale Justice. “There is a lot of incredible work and success to build upon, and I am very optimistic about where we are headed and how we can continue to be an innovative leader at the intersection of technology and increasing access to justice.”

Over the past quarter-century, the organization has transformed how people find and access legal help. Today, Scale Justice’s flagship programs — including LawHelp, LawHelp Interactive, and Citizenshipworks — will continue to anchor the organization’s work while powering new initiatives and collaborations to tackle pressing needs. Together, these programs support more than 8 million people each year, save an estimated $97 million in legal fees, and strengthen the efforts of more than 300 partner organizations nationwide. New tools such as Reclamo.AI, a multilingual chatbot that helps low‑wage and immigrant New York workers understand their rights, underscore the organization’s investment in responsible AI and community‑centered design to ensure that critical legal support reaches those who need it most. 

Founded in 1999 at the dawn of the Internet era by pro bono innovators Mark O’Brien and Michael Hertz, the organization pioneered the use of digital tools and cross-sector collaboration to expand access to legal services. Since then, Scale Justice has built a 25-year track record of impact and innovation, serving the public as well as hundreds of legal services, immigrants’ rights, and community groups, as well as courts, law firms and government agencies that leverage its tools to better reach and represent those in need.

“Scale Justice already helps millions of people each year access legal information and assert their rights,” said Betty Balli Torres, Chair of the Scale Justice Board of Directors. “Our new name reflects our continued commitment to building the digital solutions people and communities need to achieve justice.”

The rebrand reflects Scale Justice’s renewed commitment to developing not-for-profit, sustainable and safe digital legal solutions for help-seekers and advocates. The organization will continue to operate its existing programs under the Scale Justice name, maintaining all current partnerships and services while expanding its impact through new initiatives.

About Scale Justice
Scale Justice (formerly Pro Bono Net) is the country’s leading nonprofit access to justice technology innovator with a 27-year history of impact. We create digital tools and partnerships that enable people to understand their rights, access justice, and live more secure lives. For more information, visit www.scalejustice.org.

Media Contact:
Danielle Hass
Danielle.hass@infiniteglobal.com
914-406-0244

NEW YORK —Today Justicia Lab – Pro Bono Net’s nonprofit innovation incubator for technology solutions supporting the worker and immigrant rights movement – along with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) announced the launch of Reclamo AI. The tool is a multilingual, mobile-first digital assistant that helps low-wage and immigrant workers to prevent, assess and document workplace violations in New York State.

The initial iteration of Reclamo launched in 2022 to help screen and file wage theft complaints in New York State. It was originally designed to empower non lawyer advocates – including worker organizers and staff from worker and employment centers – to support workers in addressing wage theft violations in the construction and buildings trades. The tool has been used to file over $1.5 million in wage theft claims on behalf of workers since its launch.

The new edition is now available for workers to use and access directly by text and voice through any smartphone browser or WhatsApp. The content is optimized in both English and Spanish and is accessible in an additional 50 languages. The expanded platform now covers all areas of employment law in New York State, including the sectors where wage theft is most prevalent including construction, hospitality, domestic work, retail, and child and elder care services.

“Reclamo AI comes at a moment when workers feel disempowered, and we want them to know they have power, a voice and partners to support them,” said Justicia Lab Director Rodrigo Camarena. 

“There is unlimited need for advocacy support for workers but nearly every legal service organization in New York is overrun with demand,” said Mel González, director of NYLAG’s Employment Law Project. “By embracing AI and other new platforms with technology partners like Justicia Lab that center building worker power, a greater number of low-wage and immigrant workers will be able to receive accurate and timely legal education and resources.”

Wage theft is a national epidemic and is especially prevalent in New York state, having been experienced by over 127,000 New Yorkers who are collectively owed millions in lost wages and disproportionately impacting low-wage workers, communities of color, immigrants and women. 

This issue is enabled by a host of factors including: a lack of knowledge by workers around state wage and hour rules, poorly designed and enforced bureaucratic complaint processes, and lack of free or low bono legal assistance. Filing a wage theft claim is difficult and time-consuming, with forms filled with legal jargon that’s hard to understand, especially for non-English speakers. As a result, many potential wage theft claims remain overlooked and unfiled.

Through Reclamo AI, workers are able understand their situation and what remedies are available and expedite their ability to take action helping them to:

  • Understand laws pertaining to wage theft in New York State and federally – including minimum wage violations, overtime requirements and illegal deductions
  • Find out if a current or potential employer has committed wage theft exploitation previously 
  • Provide information on pro bono legal support and non lawyer advocates for additional assistance 
  • Safely be connected with pro bono legal support and non lawyer advocates for additional assistance 

The tool leverages vetted workplace justice educational materials collated by NYLAG’s team of lawyers as well as Documented NY’s Wage Theft Monitor database of more than 35,000 proven claims of wage theft filed with the New York State and Federal Departments of Labor and other proprietary materials developed by Justicia Lab and their partners. This ensures that workers will be learning directly from vetted data and verified legal information from trusted sources rather than from the wider internet.

Reclamo AI was developed using an original application of generative artificial intelligence, with data privacy and security measures directly designed into the development of the tool. Reclamo AI’s user data is stripped of personally identifiable information, anonymized, and deleted from the system every 48 hours. The tool also leverages enterprise AI models, and does not use or share user data for AI retraining. Justicia Lab will continue to integrate worker and advocate feedback into new features and with future versions of the tool.

Reclamo AI was developed with funding and technical support from GitLab’s AI for Economic Opportunity Fund and support from the J.M. Kaplan Innovation Prize.

About Justicia Lab

Justicia Lab is Pro Bono Net’s immigrant justice technology lab and a nonprofit legal tech initiative whose mission is to transform immigrant justice through collaboration, creativity, and technology. It works hand in hand with immigrants and their advocates to identify common challenges and incubate scalable digital tools to help immigrants navigate the immigration system, find workplace justice, and more. Justicia Lab has developed over a dozen legal tools for immigrant justice, helping over 500,000 people annually find critical immigration information and relief.

About Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is the country’s leading nonprofit access-to-justice innovator with a 25-year history of impact. From connecting attorneys to those in most need to creating legal tools to help individuals advocate for themselves, Pro Bono Net makes the law work for the many and not the few. 

About NYLAG  

Founded in 1990, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a leading civil legal services organization combating economic, racial and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis. Our services include comprehensive, free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy and community partnerships. Prioritizing client-centered, trauma-informed and community-rooted programming, NYLAG worked at more than 200 community sites and impacted the lives of more than 127,000 people last year.

This summer, Congress passed H.R. 1 – sweeping legislation that is reshaping who has access to health insurance, disability support services and food assistance. Combined with drastic cuts to the federal workforce and the government shutdown, these measures have made accessing and retaining critical benefits even harder. 

For millions of hardworking families, the results are stark:

  • Rising affordability challenges as Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) support shrink, leaving more people facing unaffordable care. 
  • New barriers to food and housing stability, as work requirements tighten and states lose the ability to waive them in struggling communities. 
  • Widening justice gaps, as those cut off from benefits must navigate confusing systems alone. 

For those already living paycheck to paycheck, these changes mean impossible choices: paying rent or putting food on the table, filling a prescription or covering a utility bill. 

At Pro Bono Net, we know what happens when the safety net is stripped away – it forces people into the legal system to fight for health care, housing, food, and financial security. 

Our LawHelp program connects people to free legal information, referrals to trusted legal aid programs, and self-advocacy tools. Through our 16-state network, we help over 20,000 people every day navigate pressing issues from family safety and housing stability to unemployment and food insecurity, ensuring that no one faces these battles alone.

Today, more people than ever will need LawHelp to understand their rights and find help. And they’ll need us – and you – to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks. 

Your support powers this legal lifeline. Together, we can ensure that those hardest hit by these cuts are not left without options or hope. 

Naturalization represents more than a legal status – it is a promise of belonging, opportunity, and protection. Today, on Citizenship Day, we celebrate and honor the courage, dedication, and hopes of people striving to become U.S. citizens. Their journeys are the heart of our country’s promise – but too often, barriers get in the way. 

At Pro Bono Net, we believe those obstacles shouldn’t stand in the way of families who have lived, worked, and contributed here for years. That’s why we created Citizenshipworks.org—to make applying for citizenship safer, simpler, and more affordable.

The forces trying to restrict access to citizenship don’t just make headlines. They create real obstacles for real people: parents, essential workers, long-time legal residents whose lives and families depend on naturalization. Families who have lived, worked, and contributed here for years now face uncertainty about whether their path to citizenship will remain open. 

How Citizenshipworks helps:

  • Simple, step-by-step guidance. Citizenshipworks guides applicants through the process from eligibility to filling out the USCIS form, skipping legal jargon and using plain language so people aren’t overwhelmed.
  • Access to legal help. If there is a problem or concern in the application, or someone needs more support, Citizenshipwork connects users with trusted nonprofit legal services – live, online or in their area. 
  • Test prep and tools. Citizenshipworks offers tools to prepare for the naturalization interview and civics/English tests. It provides tutorials, interactive interviews, checklists, document trackers, and savings calculators to plan for feeds. 
  • Reach and Scale. Since 2011, Citizenshipworks has helped over 60,000 people begin or complete naturalization applications through partnerships with more than 200 nonprofit and local organizations. 

One Citizenshipworks user said, “Excellent resource for filing for citizenship on your own with step by step guidance put forth in an easy non-overwhelming way! Highly recommended! Thank you to Citizenshipworks, a service to humanity.”

This work is only possible with your support. On a day meant to celebrate citizenship, we must also commit to protecting it. Your gift today will ensure that more aspiring Americans can continue their journey – and that the promise of citizenship remains a reality for future generations.

If you know an immigrant-serving organization that could benefit from Citizenshipworks, or a law firm interested in supporting naturalization clinics in our national partner network – please reach out to us to learn more.

JULY 17, 2025 — NEW YORK, NY 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Darling
development@probono.net

Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit leader in transforming access to justice through technology and collaboration, is pleased to announce the appointment of seven distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Anne Chandler, Joe Green, Scott Rechtschaffen, Damien Riehl, Dr. Rebecca Sandefur, Jacqueline Schafer, and Pelin Serpin.

With deep expertise in access to justice research, legal services delivery, and legal technology, these new members will help guide Pro Bono Net’s strategic direction in its next chapter of impact.

“We are incredibly excited about our new board members. When I reflect on what has allowed Pro Bono Net to work effectively across the access to justice community for 25 years, it is our amazing staff, our generous supporters and partner organizations and last but not least an incredibly committed and hardworking board. Anne, Joe, Scott, Damien, Rebecca, Jacqueline, and Pelin welcome!” – Michael Hertz, Pro Bono Net Co-Founder and Board Member 

Meet Our New Board Members

Anne Chandler is the Founding Executive Director of the Texas Immigration Law Council, a statewide legal advocacy organization launched in 2023. A lifelong advocate for immigrant rights, Anne previously led Houston Volunteer Lawyers—the largest pro bono legal services provider in Texas—and the Houston office of the Tahirih Justice Center. Her efforts have supported thousands of immigrants and survivors of violence. Anne also served as a Clinical Professor at the University of Houston Law Center’s Immigration Clinic and has received honors from the State Bar of Texas and The Christian Science Monitor for her work.

Joe Green is Chief Innovation Officer at Gunderson Dettmer, where he leads innovation efforts to modernize the firm’s legal service delivery and business model. Also of counsel in the firm’s New York office, Joe brings extensive experience advising startups and venture capitalists. A widely published writer and speaker on legal innovation, his academic work has been cited by SEC officials. Previously, he served as a Senior Legal Editor at Practical Law, where he developed solutions to help lawyers work more efficiently.

Scott Rechtschaffen is Chief Knowledge Officer at Littler Mendelson, where he leads a 60+ person knowledge management team to drive innovation in legal service delivery. A 10-year member of the firm’s board and current AI Governance Committee member, Scott also co-founded ComplianceHR, a legal tech venture focused on employment law compliance. He has been named to the Fastcase 50 and was recognized by the Financial Times as one of North America’s most innovative lawyers.

Damien Riehl is a lawyer and technologist who combines decades of experience in litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A leader in legal data and AI, he serves as Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s AI Committee and Co-Chair of the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles. At the vLex Group, Damien helps integrate AI across legal research platforms spanning over 100 countries. He’s also a key contributor to legal data standards through his earlier expansion of SALI and his current work with the ALEA Institute’s FOLIO project.

Rebecca L. Sandefur is a Professor at the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, and a courtesy Professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. A nationally recognized leader in civil justice research, her work spans legal service delivery, the role of pro bono, and the use of lawyers, non-lawyers, and digital tools in resolving legal issues. Dr. Sandefur also serves as Faculty Fellow at the American Bar Foundation, where she founded and leads the Access to Justice Research Initiative. She was appointed to the Arizona Commission on Access to Justice and co-founded Frontline Justice with Matthew Burnett.

Jacqueline Schafer is the founder and CEO of Clearbrief.ai, recognized as Legalweek’s 2023 Litigation Product of the Year and a 2025 finalist for Best Use of AI in Litigation. Named 2025 Innovator of the Year by Legalweek and a 2025 ABA Legal Rebel, Jackie is a trailblazer in legal AI. She previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in Alaska and Washington and in-house counsel at a $3B national nonprofit. Her accolades include the ABA Women of Legal Tech and Fastcase 50. She currently serves on AI and legal technology committees with the Texas and Washington state bars.

Pelin Serpin is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York, where she advises companies on complex corporate and commercial transactions relating to technology and intellectual property. Her work spans M&A, strategic alliances, and IP licensing and commercialization in sectors including digital health, AI, FinTech, and electric and autonomous vehicles. Pelin actively contributes to the firm’s Inclusion, Opportunity & Community Committee and regularly speaks on emerging technology-related legal issues such as generative AI. She earned her JD from Columbia Law School in 2016.

View the full list of Pro Bono Net’s Board of Directors here. Their leadership is instrumental in fulfilling Pro Bono Net’s mission and strategic goals.

About Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is the country’s leading nonprofit access to justice innovator with a 25-year history of impact. We build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives. In 2024, we reached more than 10 million people with online legal rights resources, self-advocacy support, and referrals to trusted legal help.

JUNE 23RD, 2025 — NEW YORK, NY 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Greenwald
development@probono.net

The Board of Directors of Pro Bono Net is pleased to announce the appointment of Zach Zarnow as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective July 7, 2025. Zach joins Pro Bono Net following his tenure as Deputy Managing Director of the Access to Justice Team at the National Center for State Courts, bringing a wealth of experience in public interest law, nonprofit leadership, and national strategy.

Zach has dedicated his career to expanding access to justice through collaboration, innovation, and equity-centered systems change. He is a longtime advocate for empowering communities and transforming the justice system to better serve those most in need. The Board is confident in his leadership and excited to support his vision as Pro Bono Net enters its next chapter.

“Zach’s experience, values, and commitment to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide Pro Bono Net forward,” said Betty Balli Torres, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the impact of his leadership in the years ahead.”

Zach’s appointment follows a rigorous and inclusive search process led by the Board of Directors in partnership with CFW Careers and informed by input from Pro Bono Net’s dedicated staff. The organization was fortunate to engage with a strong and inspiring pool of candidates, a testament to Pro Bono Net’s reputation and the importance of its mission.

The Board extends its deep gratitude to Liz Keith and Rodrigo Camarena, who have served as Co-Interim Executive Directors during this leadership transition. Their dedication, partnership, and steady guidance have been invaluable to the organization.

“It has been an honor to steward Pro Bono Net through this important transition and help shape the organization’s future,” said Liz Keith and Rodrigo Camarena. “We are proud of what the team has accomplished and excited to support Zach as he steps into this role.”

Pro Bono Net also expresses its appreciation to Mark O’Brien, the organization’s co-founder and Executive Director since 2005, for his many years of service and contributions that have forged Pro Bono Net’s enduring impact. 

“Mark’s vision and leadership were foundational to Pro Bono Net’s creation and growth. I’m deeply grateful for his years of dedication and the lasting impact he’s had on our mission,” said Michael Hertz, Co-founder of Pro Bono Net.

Zach joins Pro Bono Net at a pivotal moment, as the organization builds on 25 years of impact and embarks on the next phase of its mission to build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives.

“I am deeply honored to join Pro Bono Net and build on its powerful legacy of innovation, partnership, and community,” said Zach Zarnow. “At a time when the need for accessible justice solutions is greater than ever, I look forward to working with the incredible team and network to advance this vital mission.”

Please join us in welcoming Zach to the Pro Bono Net community.

ABOUT PRO BONO NET

Pro Bono Net is the country’s leading access to justice innovator with a 25-year history of impact. We build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives.

As justice advocates and non-profit technologists, we’re keenly aware that people, values, and experiences shape how technology is used – and who it serves.

Throughout this year, we’ve shared stories of how Pro Bono Net’s programs couple inclusive tech and community partnerships to bring critical legal help to millions.
At the heart of that impact are our supporters and partners, alongside our dedicated team whose expertise and commitment drive our mission.

Today, we want to introduce you to a few of the talented people behind the scenes at Pro Bono Net who understand what’s at stake for the communities and partners we serve, and whose work helps ensure that tech serves as an equalizing force for justice across the US:

  • Sandra Sandoval, Senior Product Manager
    Sandra leads product strategy and partnerships for award-winning programs like Citizenshipworks and Immi that equip immigrants and their advocates with essential digital tools to navigate a complex immigration legal landscape. A 2023 American Legal Technology Award Winner, Sandra’s dedication and personal experiences shine through her work on our Justicia Lab team. 
  • Sam Harden, Senior Innovations Manager
    An attorney and technologist, Sam is passionate about using his skills to help the public get the legal help they need. A leading voice on responsible uses of AI to expand access to justice, Sam collaborates with Pro Bono Net partners nationwide to harness technology to help people understand their rights and make our civil justice system more equitable for all.
  • Ariadne Brazo, Senior Product Manager
    With a background in tech and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Ariadne (she/they) brings expertise in LGBTQ communities, health care access, and labor organizing to lead products like LawHelp, connecting thousands to trusted legal help. Their focus on community-centered design ensures the voices of those served directly shape our programs.
  • Simon Rah, Chief Technology Officer
    An experienced technology leader, project manager, and statistician, Simon drives tech initiatives across Pro Bono Net that solve large-scale legal access challenges and bring resources where they’re needed most. A former educator, Simon also trains and mentors other changemakers on civil justice and immigrant rights tech innovation.

From all of us at Pro Bono Net, thank you for joining us in this vital work. Please consider making a gift today to support our role as an anchor for public, not-for-profit, digital legal solutions that make justice more attainable and equitable for millions.

Last week, the policy paradigm that awaits immigrant communities in 2025 became clearer and more urgent. We know this moment is bringing up a tremendous amount of fear, but we alongside hundreds of our advocate partners across the nation stand ready to protect and defend the rights of immigrants across our country. 

We wanted to let our community know how Pro Bono Net and our Justicia Lab team are preparing for this moment, and share some of our resources that may be helpful for your own networks:

  • We’re making sure that people can more easily find and connect with trusted legal services through Immigration Law Help and the Immigration Advocates Network;
  • We’re working to provide up to date information on the changing legal landscape for immigrants through the Ready to Stay coalition and Immi;
  • We’re working to help immigrants apply for a form of immigration relief and naturalization through our online tool Citizenshipworks;
  • We’re expanding our tools that support immigrant workers through our workplace justice initiative ¡Reclamo! – designed to empower immigrant workers to know their rights, file wage theft claims, and fight back against other forms of labor exploitation.

If you’re interested in supporting our rapid-response work to update these critical legal rights resources and referral tools, which thousands of immigrants and our network of over 200 partners across the US rely on, please reach out or visit our donate page.

And if you know of an organization that supports immigrants and might benefit from these resources, please consider sharing this with them.

Thank you for your support during this time. Together, we can help keep people safe, informed, and supported.

In unity,

Rodrigo, Liz & the Pro Bono Net team