October 25-31, 2026, marks the National celebration of Pro Bono Week, with this year’s theme “Serving Justice. Strengthening Democracy.” Millions of Americans face civil legal problems without access to the legal help they need, putting their homes, livelihoods, health, and families at risk.
As a legal professional with an interest in pro bono work, you know that access to legal help can make a difference. Pro bono service helps close this justice gap, connecting people with the legal support they need to protect their rights, find stability, and fully participate in their communities.
Scale Justice (formerly Pro Bono Net) celebrates the lawyers, advocates, paralegals, law students and other dedicated professionals who use their skills to expand access to justice and build a more equitable world. In recognition of National Pro Bono Celebration Week, below are resources to help make a meaningful difference whether you’re a legal professional ready to volunteer or an organization working to expand the reach and impact of pro bono service.
1. New York Pro Bono Opportunities Guide
The NYC Pro Bono Center’s Pro Bono Opportunities Guide connects attorneys, law students, paralegals, and other legal professionals with organizations seeking volunteers across New York. Volunteers can use the Guide to identify opportunities that match their interests and location and connect directly with organizations to get involved. Find your next pro bono opportunity at https://www.probono.net/ny/oppsguide.
2. Immigration Advocates Network Volunteer Guide
The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), a program of Justicia Lab, Scale Justice’s immigrant and worker justice technology lab, connects legal professionals and nonprofit organizations working to advance immigrant justice. Those looking to volunteer can use IAN’s Volunteer Guide to find opportunities to support immigrant communities.
3. Practising Law Institute’s Pro Bono Membership
PLI, a partner of Scale Justice, is proud to be an essential training resource for pro bono and public interest attorneys. PLI offers interactive, on-demand and in-person learning opportunities on a wide variety of critical topics, including immigration, veterans’ assistance, and advising nonprofit organizations. PLI’s Pro Bono Membership and Scholarship programs make training resources available to qualifying organizations and individual attorneys at no cost. PLI’s podcast, Pursuing Justice: The Pro Bono Files, showcases the success stories of pro bono and legal aid attorneys working to close the access to justice gap. PLI also offers complimentary use of its Manhattan conference center to nonprofit organizations in need of event space. Learn more about PLI’s resources at: pli.edu/probono.
4. LiveHelp
Access to justice starts with access to information. Through LiveHelp, law students across New York state can make a real impact by helping New Yorkers navigate civil legal issues through real-time online chat on LawHelpNY.org. As a LiveHelp volunteer, law students empower people to better understand their rights and resources, and help connect them with the information they need. Volunteers work remotely with the guidance and supervision of a staff attorney, making this a flexible and meaningful way to give back. Last year, LiveHelp volunteers helped New Yorkers with wide-ranging issues from family, to housing, and finances. Students build practical skills in cultural competency, issue spotting, and legal research across the site.
To law school partners: Spread the word and share this opportunity with law students, or reach out to us for more information.
Ready to help serve justice? LiveHelp volunteer sessions open quarterly. Learn more and find out how to get involved: https://www.lawhelpny.org/volunteer.
Thank you for everything you do, and wishing you a meaningful Pro Bono Week!