Important Resources
Apply for Civil Legal Aid
504.581.4043, email our Intake Coordinator, or go to our application webpage.
Inquire About Your Case Status
Contact your pro bono volunteer or member of The Pro Bono Project staff
Self-Help Desk Hotline
For Domestic Self-Help, please contact us at 504.881.1171 or by email. To access court approved forms, click on the following:
24th JDC
Orleans Parish CDC
For Bankruptcy Self-Help, contact us at 504.581.4043 x 201 on the first Friday of every month or email.
Legal Resources Related to the current pandemic or natural disasters
Go to Louisiana Law Help for information about court closings, evictions, unemployment issues, and other Covid-19 related legal issues. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services is operating a hotline at 844.244.7871. The hotline will help address legal issues faced by people whose legal problem is a direct result of COVID-19.
Non-Legal Assistance and Information
Go to the City of New Orleans website, NOLA Ready. For other parishes and the State of Louisiana, click here.
Cases, Clinics and Success Stories
Volunteering is what makes The Pro Bono Project work. Open the doors—take a case, read our success stories, or help out at a clinic.
The Pro Bono Project has taken the lead in managing and recruiting volunteers for Self Help Resource Center (SHRC) at Orleans CDC and 24the JDC.
For more information and to volunteer, please email us or call 504.581.4043.
Upcoming Events
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status CLE
November 8, 2024
Professionalism CLE
November 19, 2024
Fact vs. Fiction: Dispelling Myths About Pro Bono Work
Free Professionalism CLE
December 17, 2024
Check out other events on our Upcoming Events page.
Justice For All Ball
Thank you for your past support of the Justice For All Ball. We’ll be back for a great event in 2024. This year’s gala will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024.
What’s New?
“Local Lawyers Discuss the Necessity of Pro Bono Work in the Region,” by Drew Hawkins, Biz New Orleans
“The Importance and Benefits of Incorporating Pro Bono Work into Your Practice,” by Jedd Malish, Board Chair, and C.C Kahr, Executive Director, New Orleans Bar Association Blog
Pro Bono Publico - For the Public Good, The Pro Bono Project Statement on Social Justice and the Killing of George Floyd
“Coronavirus could overwhelm legal help for America’s poor,” by Todd Ruger, Roll Call
“Louisiana approves money for civil legal aid, joining most other states, “ by Richard A. Webster, Times-Picayune
“In Louisiana civil courts, the poor are left to defend themselves” by Richard A. Webster, Times-Picayune
Check out our latest News.
New case listings posted.
CLE Credit for Pro Bono Hours
Did you know that you can receive CLE credit for your pro bono hours?
Read about the rule that took effect on May 1, 2015 in CityBusiness.
Read the entire rule.
Volunteer Luncheon & Awards Ceremony
Every year, The Pro Bono Project honors lawyers, law firms, students, businesses, and members of the judiciary who have provided, improved, and excelled in the delivery of legal services. These services are of critical importance to the increasing number of people in our area. We host our annual Volunteer Appreciations Event to show our deep appreciation for those who support our mission to improve access to justice in our community.
We wish to thank all our volunteers for all the hard work they devote to our community.
This year's Volunteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony & Luncheon will be held on November 19th at 12 noon at Jones Walker. A free panel discussion and CLE will precede the awards luncheon at 11 a.m. This one-hour CLE is devoted to examining pro bono obligations with an emphasis on ensuring access to justice for under-served and under-represented populations. Speakers include: Rachael Mills, LSBA; Hon. Rachael Johnson, LA Court of Appeals – 4th Circuit; Kansas Guidry, Flanagan Partners
The Pro Bono Project's annual volunteer appreciation luncheon will follow the CLE to show our gratitude to those who support our mission to improve access to justice throughout our communities.
2024 Celebration of Pro Bono Emphasizes Justice and Community
We are thrilled to participate in the American Bar Association's Celebration of Pro Bono. This year we focus on "Making Justice a Reality in Our Communities."
Lawyers and law firms across the country are participating in volunteer events as part of the National Celebration of Pro Bono, which runs Oct. 20-26, 2024.
Celebrating Access to Justice at This Year’s Justice For All Ball
The 36th Annual Justice For All Ball was an amazing night - all in celebration of our legal community's commitment to pro bono and equal access to justice. Held at the historic Orpheum Theater on Friday, September 20th, JFAB welcomed lawyers and judges throughout our community. From the table décor and hand painted wine glasses to the music and food, the reviews are in. Everyone had a blast as we celebrated this year’s honorary chair, James M. Williams.
Attendees loved the Orpheum, danced the night away, and dined on delicious cuisine. The Patron Party was sold out. Guests were reluctant to leave and lingered to the very last call!
On behalf of The Pro Bono Project – our staff and board of directors – we thank all of our supporters. It takes 9 months of planning to make this event a success and we couldn’t do it without their time, talent, and resources. This event is approximately 30% of our annual revenue. A successful JFAB translates to our mission fulfilled – members of the community accessing equal justice.
View this year’s photos. Please enter your name and email address to access.
Some Enchanted Evening on September 20th
The Pro Bono Project’s Justice for All Ball is this Friday. The Ball will take place at the Orpheum Theater on Friday, September 20th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Our Silent Auction is open! Bid now on gift cards from your favorite restaurants, sports memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, jewelry, and a diamond and sapphire pendant.
Click here for more details…
Click here to bid on our silent auction…
James M. Williams Named 36th Annual Justice For All Ball Honorary Chair
The Pro Bono Project is delighted to share the exciting news that James M. Williams has graciously accepted the role of this year's Justice For All Ball Honorary Chair. As a nationally renowned trial attorney, James brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in high-stakes litigation. His dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to serving the community make him an invaluable addition to our cause.
The Pro Bono Project helps the working-poor, low-income families, children, veterans and elderly clients access lawyers to help resolve civil legal issues for many years. We facilitate the match between disadvantaged citizens in need of civil legal services with volunteer experienced private bar attorneys. Through these volunteer attorneys, thousands of underserved members of our community receive free civil legal representation each year.
The Justice For All Ball is the primary fundraising event that The Project hosts every year to raise money to sustain its efforts. Your contribution makes the work that it does possible.
Join The Pro Bono Project for the 36th Annual Justice For All Ball on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 8:00 pm to 11 pm the Orpheum Theater. The attire is Black Tie Optional. A Patron Party at the Double Dealer will precede the gala at 6:30 pm. This event promises to be our best as we celebrate with a gala of fine food from local restaurants and music by GOT Groove.
The Pro Bono Project’s 2024 Board of Directors
The Pro Bono Project is pleased to announce its new officers and board members for 2024.
SCOTT STERNBERG, Esq., Sternberg, Naccari & White, Chair
ALYSSA MAURICE-ANDERSON, Esq., Entergy, Vice Chair
GRAHAM RYAN, Esq., Jones Walker, Secretary
CORY VIDAL, Esq., Hancock Whitney Bank, Treasurer
LACEY ROCHESTER, Esq., Baker Donelson, Immediate Past Chair
For a full roster of the 2024 Board of Directors, click here.
Volunteer Appreciation Awards
Every year, The Pro Bono Project honors lawyers, law firms, students, businesses, and members of the judiciary who have provided, improved, and excelled in supporting our delivery of legal services. These services are of critical importance to the increasing number of people in our area. We host our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to show our deep appreciation for those who support our mission to improve access to justice in our community.
This year’s luncheon was held at Jones Walker, 201 St. Charles Avenue, 52nd Floor, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 12 noon.
That’s A Wrap!
The 35th Annual Justice For All Ball was an amazing night - all in celebration of our legal community's commitment to pro bono and equal access to justice. Held at the historic Orpheum Theater on Friday, September 22nd, JFAB welcomed lawyers and judges throughout our community. From the table décor and hand painted wine glasses to the music and food, the reviews are in. Everyone had a blast!
Attendees loved the Orpheum, danced the night away, and dined on delicious cuisine. The Patron Party was sold out and was standing room only! Guests were reluctant to leave and lingered to the very last call!
On behalf of The Pro Bono Project – our staff and board of directors – we thank all of our supporters. It takes 9 months of planning to make this event a success and we couldn’t do it without their time, talent, and resources. This event is approximately 30% of our annual revenue. A successful JFAB translates to our mission fulfilled – members of the community accessing equal justice.
PBP’s Website is Accessible
May 18th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The Pro Bono Project is proud to prioritize inclusion and have a website that is accessible to all. Look for the blue circle to access our website's vision, auditory, and learning filters.
Our accessibility interface is made possible by the generous support of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.
#LetsChangeThat #GAAD #DigitalAccessibility #WebAccessibility #accessibility #DiversityAndInclusion #OpenInternetForAll
Take Our Survey on Pro Bono Activities
We want your feedback! In recognition of the ABA's National Celebration of Pro Bono, The Pro Bono Project encourages you to complete this short survey of your pro bono activities and any recommendations you have for organizations like ours to improve your volunteer experience.
Special thanks to the Louisiana Bar Foundation and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services for their support of our mission.
Pro Bono Publico - For the Public Good
The Pro Bono Project’s mission is to provide free, quality civil legal services to the under-served members of our community. By engaging volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and private citizens to render pro bono services, The Pro Bono Project serves clients who otherwise might not have access to the civil legal help they need. Our work today is as important as any time in our thirty-four year history.
The Pro Bono Project is appalled by the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Rayshard Brooks. These terrible losses along with other victims of prejudice, brutality, and hate are unacceptable in this country. We grieve these losses, the violence against peaceful protesters, and the inequities experienced day after day.
The Pro Bono Project reaffirms its commitment to provide civil legal justice through volunteer assistance. Through our work, we can effect change and bring about social justice and equitable legal representation. We demand that we do better and strongly encourage the legal community to join us in ensuring equal justice.