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.
Read MoreThank you to our friends, families, and colleagues for supporting The Pro Bono Project on #GiveNOLADay! We doubled our goal and recruited more than 100 donors. 🥳
Read MoreToday is #GivingTuesdayNow. Consider donating your time, talent, or resources to The Pro Bono Project. Help us fulfill our mission to provide free civil legal aid to under-served members of our community.
Read MoreThe Project is currently open and working virtually to address ongoing civil legal needs in the community. For volunteers interested in assisting the organization, we are seeking assistance with returning calls on a variety of legal issues, assisting callers who are representing themselves at Orleans and Jefferson Parish District Courts, and develop quick 3-5 minute legal presentations to share with the public.
Read MoreManaging Attorneys Kathleen Legendre and Jesse George discuss the Self-Help Resource Centers at the 24th Judicial District Court and Orleans Civil District Court. Self-Help Resource Centers provide legal information, resources, and court approved forms for self-represented litigants. To access additional information on this service, please go to The Pro Bono Project’s Self Help Resource Center web page. The Pro Bono Project operates these Centers on behalf of the courts.
Read MoreThe Pro Bono Project's Managing Attorney for Volunteer Engagement, Kathleen Legendre, discusses court fees, in forma pauperis, and representing yourself in court.
Read MoreThe Pro Bono Project's Staff Attorney, Alexis Clay, discusses successions basics.
Read MoreLocal bankruptcy attorney and long-time Project volunteer Jenny Abshier shares some tips and information for consumers and potential bankruptcy filers related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recently-passed CARES Act. Watch for information on student loans, mortgages, payment deferrals for creditors, and bankruptcy information.
Read MoreLearn about volunteer opportunities from our Managing Attorney for Volunteer Engagement, Kathleen Legendre.
Read MoreInformation is an important tool that we can use to make decisions and to understand the issues facing us in uncertain times. We have compiled a list of common questions posed as a result of COVID-19. These include general information on where to find help and to address your legal questions.
Go to our COVID-19 Resource Page for information. The Pro Bono Project is hear to help you navigate the road ahead.
Click here to download the F.A.Q. worksheet (English). Preguntas Legales Frecuentes en Materia de la Pandemia del COVID-19 (Spanish).
Read MoreSince 1986, The Pro Bono Project has provided free civil legal aid to under-served members of our community. By engaging volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and private citizens to render pro bono services, The Project serves clients in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Washington parishes who otherwise might not have access to the civil legal aid they need. From the devastation wrought by Katrina and the BP Oil Spill to the daily legal challenges faced by seniors, children, and families, our staff and volunteers consistently rally to support our mission. The next few days and weeks certainly will present new challenges, but The Pro Bono Project is ready to address our area’s legal needs.
Read MoreOut of an abundance of caution and respect for guidelines issued by the CDC, state, and local governments, the Self Help Resource Center at Orleans Civil District Court is closed for in person assistance. The Pro Bono Project will offer Self-Help resources and information by email and phone. Please see the court's website for additional information about the court's schedule and other services.
Read MoreWe are proud to mark our third year managing the Self-Help Resource Center (SHRC) at Orleans Parish Civil District Court. With over 3,000 visitors in 2019, the SHRC is a model for collaboration and community partnerships.
The Project extends a special note of thanks to our leading law firms and to the Louisiana Bar Foundation for their funding of the SHRC at Orleans Civil District Court.
The Project also staffs the 24th Judicial District Court's Self-Help Resource Center. Now in our third year of managing the SHRC in Gretna, we welcome the continued support of the legal community and their willingness to help pro-se litigants represent themselves through the court system without delay.
To volunteer, please contact Kathleen Legendre, Managing Attorney for Volunteer Engagement.
Read MoreFor thirty-two years the Justice For All Ball has been the premier social event in the legal community, drawing hundreds of lawyers, judges, and private citizens together for an evening of fine food, spirits, and live music. The Justice For All Ball is The Pro Bono Project’s major fundraiser and provides the much needed funds to allow The Pro Bono Project to fulfill its mission.
Read MoreOver ten years ago, I became involved with The Pro Bono Project. My law firm, Adams and Reese, had been a long-time supporter of the organization and I saw first-hand the difference pro bono makes in the lives of both the clients and the attorneys who provide their time at no cost. In one of my first pro bono cases, I obtained a judgment for $19,500 for construction work that was not completed. Sadly, the client, who was in her 90s, passed away during the proceeding. I recovered the money on behalf of her heirs even after the defendant filed bankruptcy. This, and the other cases I have handled over the years, fulfill the reason I became involved with The Pro Bono Project and continue to do today as Board Chair. I know we can help families who cannot afford to do so address legal problems that disrupt their lives. Successful resolutions contribute to the well-being not only of individual families, but of our entire community.
Read MoreCelebrate Pro Bono Week with The Pro Bono Project. We have a number of events planned throughout October. From free CLEs to a happy hour open house, The Pro Bono Project acknowledges the important role our volunteers play in providing access to justice for members of our community.
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