Since 2011, the Practising Law Institute (PLI) has helped us champion the necessity of pro bono as one of our Bronze Sponsors. PLI is dedicated to providing attorneys with information and techniques to develop a professional, competitive edge and recognizes the importance of pro bono in helping attorneys cultivate their skills, develop time management and give back to their communities.
This spring, PLI is offering several workshops that will be particularly beneficial to legal services organizations, pro bono attorneys, and those new to pro bono. These workshops are in line with our mission, and we are very pleased that PBN staff member Liz Keith and board member Tiela Chalmers will join two of the panels. Below are brief descriptions of upcoming workshops. For more information, please visit www.pli.edu. For more information on becoming a sponsor of Pro Bono Net, visit www.probono.net/sponsors.
Basic Immigration Law 2013
New York, New York March 14, 2013 9:00 am – 12:30pm ET
Why you should attend
This program explains the basic concepts of U.S. immigration law and procedure, and reflects current developments and trends.
What you will learn
- Overview of U.S. immigration law
- The difference between nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent/green card) visas
- Employment-related visas and work authorization
- Family-sponsored visas
- Asylum and immigration benefits for crime victims
- Removal proceedings against immigrants
- Judicial review of immigration cases
- Naturalization
- Protecting an employer from sanctions
- Unique ethical issues in immigration practice
Who should attend
Attorneys who are new to immigration practice and those who need a refresher on immigration law or immigration policy.
Social Media for Non-Profit and Public Interest Organizations Featuring Pro Bono Net staff member, Liz Keith
March 21, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PT
Why You Should Attend
Learn how to stay on the forefront of new technology and harness the potential of social media to grow your donor and volunteer base and expand your organization’s footprint.
What You Will Learn
- Entering the social media landscape
- Efficiently and effectively integrate social media tools
- Tools to recruit volunteers and promote cases
- Introduction to social fundraising
- Cutting edge technologies and what’s to come
Who Should Attend
Executive Directors, development and marketing managers, volunteer coordinators, managing and supervising attorneys, and staff from small and large non-profit and public interest organizations.
Working with Immigrants: The Intersection of Basic Immigration, Housing, and Domestic Violence Issues in California
May 14, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Why You Should Attend:
Many immigrant clients require assistance with a constellation of related yet distinct issues. This day-long program addresses these particular areas of overlap. Experienced practitioners in the areas of immigration, family law, and housing share their expertise,providing insight into cultural issues that arise when working with immigrant clients.
What You Will Learn:
- Cultural competency issues to be aware of
- What is domestic violence and how does it impact immigrant communities.
- How immigration status affects eligibility for federally subsidized housing.
- Fair Housing laws that protect immigrants and domestic violence survivors.
- Special housing protections for domestic violence survivors
- What family law issues are implicated when working with immigrant survivors of domestic violence.
- How to get your client legal immigration status based on domestic violence.
Who Should Attend:
Legal aid and private practitioners who work with immigrant clients or who would like to provide pro bono services to immigrant clients in the areas of immigration, housing, or domestic violence.
How to Find and Handle Your First Pro Bono Case Chaired by Pro Bono Net Board Member, Tiela Chalmers
May 29, 2013 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Why You Should Attend
This program is a great opportunity to get a strong overview of the world of pro bono, how it can enrich and advance your professional development, and how to make it happen.
What You Will Learn
How to find the right case:
- What types of cases are right to meet your goals
- How to pick pro bono opportunities that fit in with your current employment situation
- Where to find cases or matters
- Options in types of volunteering commitments
Handling your first case:
- Ensuring that you are or become competent
- Handling your first client meeting
- Understanding your client’s circumstances
- Working with the court
- Finishing up the case
Who Should Attend
People who have not yet handled their first pro bono case, or have just taken their first matter, and people who work with newer attorneys in professional development or pro bono.