Public Interest Perspectives--An Introductory Training for Private
Attorneys in Public Interest Placements
Save the Date: September 9, 2009 at 1:00pm Eastern Time
The Association of Pro Bono Counsel and NALP are pleased to announce a free national
training for attorneys beginning volunteer public interest placements.
What: A free national web-based training for attorneys who are beginning extended public
service placements with legal aid and other nonprofit legal organizations. The training will
provide an overview of the differences in law firm and nonprofit practice settings, insight on
working with low-income clients, and background on the economic challenges presently being
confronted by the public interest community.
Who: The training is designed for all attorneys taking temporary, extended public interest
placements. While it focuses on practice in civil legal services organizations, the information is
relevant to most public interest settings. A coalition of public interest leaders from the legal aid
community and the private bar designed and will present this training.
Why: As a result of the current economy, many attorneys, especially newer
attorneys, who expected to be in private practice are beginning extended placements in legal aid
and other public interest organizations. This training aims to provide a bridge program for
associates transitioning into a practice setting with which they may be unfamiliar. By providing
this preliminary training, we hope to best prepare these attorneys to engage in this unique
opportunity to contribute to and learn about the public interest legal community.
When: This 2 hour program will be offered on September 9, 1:00pm Eastern Time.
Where: This training can be accessed from any computer and phone line. In many cities,
organizers are planning a central location (bar association, law firm, etc.) so attorneys
may participate in the training together. Following these sessions, a discussion on issues relevant
to fellowships will follow the long-distance training. We encourage attorneys to attend the live
session with their colleagues. Details will follow from local organizations.
Register: If you are able to participate in this training, please register now:
http://tinyurl.com/meggy8.
Questions: If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Kelly Tautges at
ktautges@chicagobar.org or 312-554-8356.
Program Faculty:
• Margaret C. Benson, Executive Director, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
• Tiela Chalmers, Executive Director, Volunteer Legal Services Program of the San Francisco Bar
Association
• Steven Grumm, Director of Public Service Initiatives, National Association for Law Placement
(NALP)
• Bruce Iwasaki, Senior Partner, Lim Ruger & Kim, LLP; and former Executive Director, Legal Aid
Foundation of Los Angeles
• Harlene Katzman, Pro Bono Counsel, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP
• David Lash - Managing Counsel of Public Interest and Pro Bono Services, O'Melveny & Myers,
LLP; and former Executive Director, Bet Tzedek
• Steven H. Schulman, Pro Bono Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP
• Jonathan Smith - Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
• John Tull - former Executive Director, Southern Arizona Legal Aid; and former Vice President for
Programs, Legal Services Corporation
• Angela Vigil - North American Director, Pro Bono & Community Service, Baker & McKenzie; and
former Director, Children's Law Pro Bono Program, Northwestern University School of Law