Federal Pro Bono Project Reception
March 21, 2023, San Francisco—Federal judges and volunteer attorneys braved rain, wind gusts, and toppled trees, to gather at the Phillip Burton Federal Building and United States Courthouse to celebrate the Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) Federal Pro Bono Project for the 2022 Reception. The Reception celebrated the Project’s 15th anniversary, its accomplishments, and volunteers during 2022.
Chief District Judge Richard Seeborg, Senior District Judge Edward M. Chen, and District Judge Jacqueline S. Corley thanked the volunteers, and each echoed the need for more volunteers to combat the widening and persistent Justice Gap. The Project is bridging the Gap that impacts low-income, unrepresented litigants and their ability to defend or advance their rights. The Judges challenged volunteers to share their pro bono experiences at their firm meetings and urge colleagues to volunteer. Also, Aaron P. Silberman, shareholder at Rogers, Joseph O’Donnell, shared his volunteer experience and its triumphs, challenges, and the gratitude he receives from clients appreciative of being heard and his service. Aaron has volunteered for all 15 years of the Project.
In 2022, the Court appointed counsel for 31 unrepresented litigants and the Project arranged representation for them from 19 firms. The Project also assisted nearly 300 unrepresented litigants at the court-based San Francisco and Oakland Legal Help Centers.
Prospective volunteers can learn more about volunteering with the Project by emailing: probono@sfbar.org
###
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) advances fairness and equality by providing pro bono legal services to low-income people and educational programs that foster diversity in the legal profession. JDC is the largest legal services providers in San Francisco. JDC’s programs serve approximately 9,500 disadvantaged San Franciscans a year, with the overarching goal of assisting the community’s most vulnerable members with accessing the judicial system and strengthening their personal, professional, and economic security.