Putting our Values in Context 

Discussions around diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility have become increasingly politicized, and we welcome this moment as an opportunity to clarify our values. For PBN, our values drive us to support everyone, not to divide. Our values are about ensuring that all individuals—regardless of financial background, race, gender, or any other factor—have meaningful access to justice. We directly address issues related to race, gender, and other identity-based challenges because they shape people's experiences within our  country’s civil justice the legal system. Similarly, financial constraints make legal representation unaffordable for many working people. Ensuring access to justice means addressing these obstacles in practical, meaningful ways so that no one is excluded from access to legal information, legal support or the legal system due to economic hardship or other systemic barriers. We believe in a legal system that serves everyone fairly and equitably, ensuring dignity and equal treatment under the law. 

Justice for All

We stand by the principle of "justice for all," as enshrined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Justice should not depend on wealth, status, or identity, and no one should be left behind when they struggle. Our commitment is to removing barriers, eliminating bias, and ensuring access to legal resources for those who need them most. Economic standing, race, gender, education, language, and other aspects of identity influence how people experience the legal system, and we work to ensure that legal support is available to all.

Breaking Down Barriers to Justice

As an impactful, mission-driven organization, Pro Bono Net (PBN) is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility because we are committed to eliminating obstacles that prevent people from accessing and using our civil legal system. We believe we have a responsibility to understand and respond to the needs of people who have been marginalized or excluded from fully participating in the justice system. We are dedicated to cultivating equitable access through the creation and sharing of information, services and tools designed to eliminate barriers and facilitate meaningful participation.

Diversity. Our services and products are for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the legal system, race, ethnicity, language, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexuality, mental health, physical ability, age, religion, political affiliation, income status or education level. While dimensions of diversity will evolve and this list is not conclusive, PBN recognizes the diversity in our communities and accordingly aims to build products, services and a justice system that is open for everyone. Similarly, we welcome and strive to build diversity in our workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and encourage our partners to do the same.

Equity. PBN seeks to break barriers in access to legal services and help provide solutions to legal issues. We believe equity in the workplace means fair treatment, equality of opportunity and ensuring access to resources for everyone in our organization, and we support partners who hold the same values in their workplaces. We believe equity in the communities we serve is about taking deliberate actions to remove systemic, group, and individual barriers and obstacles that hinder opportunities and disrupt the well-being of clients and the communities we serve.[3] We believe that when equipped with the right advocates, access and resources, people can better use the power of the law to seek justice.

Inclusion. PBN’s purpose is to build highly scalable systems that facilitate equitable access to the justice system. To this end, inclusion in the workplace for viewpoints of staff and partners is central to a system that allows those in our organization to feel respected, heard, engaged, motivated, and valued for who they are. Inclusion for our clients and the community means cultivating an environment that feels safe and welcoming, where individuals can be their authentic selves. Inclusion within our workplace and in our communities allows us to continually expand the idea of an equitable justice system and work toward our purpose.

Our Commitments within our Organization

• Report to the Board of Directors on an Annual Basis regarding statistics on the Board of Directors and staff composition
• Maintain and cultivate an impactful, diverse workforce at all levels through equitable and accessible recruitment, hiring, professional development, retention and promotion practices
• Maintain and cultivate our interdisciplinary team that works together to help low-wage, low-wealth and vulnerable communities achieve justice
• Build a diverse Board of Directors with a range of experiences, identities, and skills. In our search to fill vacant positions, we seek a wide pool of potential candidates from different backgrounds
• Continue to actively support managers and staff in professional development opportunities and trainings focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility 
• Support management participation in trainings focused on effective, inclusive management and offer employees optional trainings on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility 
• Continue to support our employee groups and lead diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the legal technology sector, including initiatives led by women and women of color
• Continually develop and nurture cultural responsiveness as an organizational asset so that we may harness all of our community’s strengths and foster inclusivity

Our Commitments to the Communities we Serve

• Gather demographic data on the individuals and groups that we serve to better understand and hold ourselves accountable to our stakeholders
• Continue to actively seek involvement of our users and partners on major projects and initiatives - incorporating their perspectives and experiences into the process of design and reiteration
• Continue to promote dialogue and inclusive practices within the public interest legal tech community
• Strive to create community spaces where diversity is valued through understanding, including responding to the combination of cultural variables and the full range of dimensions of diversity that an individual brings to interactions