Thursday, October. 15, 2020 from 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM.

In anticipation of Pro Bono Week, this CLE program from the Philadelphia Bar Association aims to better inform attorneys about the challenges experienced by those living in poverty and contextualize some of the decisions people make when they have scarce resources. Have you ever wondered why a pro bono client spent their money in a particular way? Have you struggled to understand decisions made by a self-represented litigant on the other side? 

This CLE will encourage you to examine your assumptions about poverty and low-income individuals to shed light on the impact of poverty on decision-making and suggesting ways to better engage and communicate with low-income litigants.

The program will also examine the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) not only because these are more common among those living in poverty, but because poverty itself may be an Adverse Childhood Experience. Practice tips will include communication strategies particular to low income litigants.

Throughout the program panelists will address the special ethical considerations of doing pro bono work and working with low-income litigants. Specifically, panelists will examine Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.4, and 6.1 respectively addressing competence, communication, and the duty to perform pro bono service.

Hosted by the Family Law Section, Public Interest Section and Young Lawyers' Division.