As the New Year begins, we are highlighting some exciting Practising Law Institute (PLI) workshops and trainings of particular interest to pro bono, legal services, and nonprofit attorneys. As always, PLI’s 2014 program places a strong emphasis on the needs of pro bono attorneys, working to ensure that all practitioners have the tools and knowledge they need to help close the justice gap. In addition, New York programs will be held at PLI’s new state-of-the-art Conference Center. The new space features a more intimate and specialized training center, a dedicated room for speakers and trainers to prepare their presentations, and a bookstore so attendees can continue their legal education on their own time.
We would also like to thank PLI for championing the need for pro bono as one of Pro Bono Net’s Bronze Sponsors since 2011. Through their sponsorship of Pro Bono Net and consistent presentation of pro bono programs, PLI has demonstrated outstanding dedication to providing attorneys with information and techniques to develop a powerful and effective pro bono practice and use their legal skills to give back to their communities. In 2014, PLI is offering workshops on a range of exciting topics – a selection of some our favorites is below.
March 20th: Social Media for Non-Profit and Public Interest Organizations 2014
This workshop will discuss how public interest organizations and nonprofits can develop a powerful social media brand. The panelists (including Pro Bono Net’s own Liz Keith and Xander Karsten!) will discuss the nuts and bolts of developing a consistent voice, setting up social media accounts and content strategies, and continuously maintaining a productive social media presence. The goal of the session is for attendees to leave with the tools to “attract more support, donors, and volunteers.” The program will be held on March 20th in San Francisco and will be live webcast online. You can register for this free event on PLI’s website.
April 16th: How to Handle Your First Pro Bono Case in New York
Taking on your first pro bono case can be a scary proposition! “How to Handle Your First Pro Bono Case” provides attorneys with the knowledge to begin their pro bono practice with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. The course will touch upon several topics, including:
- Finding work consistent with or complementary to your current practice
- Determining what type of pro bono matter you are looking for and ways to find it
- Using resources in your firm to manage your pro bono matter
- Establishing productive relationships with legal services/nonprofit providers
- Competently representing your client and avoiding conflicts
- Effectively communicating with your pro bono client and helping your client to navigate the court system.
This free program is on April 16th at the new PLI New York Conference Center and will also be webcast on PLI.edu. Attendees will be eligible for two professional practice New York CLE credits. Interested attorneys are encouraged to register in advance.
May 9th: Representing the Pro Bono Client: Consumer Law Basics 2014
Consumer law is an area of widespread need amongst legal services and pro bono clients. In addition, it is a remarkably diverse field of law with issues ranging from consumer debt defense to mortgage matters to fraud and consumer protection. This free session will teach participants to represent and advocate for their clients in a wide range of consumer issues. The agenda covers legislation, namely the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and specific issue areas such as automobile fraud. The program will be hosted in PLI’s San Francisco offices and webcast on PLI.edu on May 9th. Registration and further details are available now!
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A complete listing of PLI programs, with courses available in New York, California, Chicago, DC, and online, can be found at PLI.edu.