Best Pro Bono Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Supporting Small Business Owners’ Dreams 58:22

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6d ago58:22

58:22

Pro bono work supporting businesses and nonprofits remains one of the best ways for transactional lawyers to contribute to their communities. In this episode, Alicia Aiken talks with Bruce Ely, Tiffany Graves, and Ashley Robinson, of Bradley, about their firm’s successful implementation of pro bono clinics helping Black small business and nonprofit…

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Making the Case for Clemency 52:40

1M ago52:40

52:40

Hear how Sam Coren, of Perkins Coie, and Emma Jensen, of the Northwest Justice Project, helped transform a man’s life through a successful bid for clemency that began when they were in law school. Want to hear about new Pursuing Justice releases? Subscribe to our monthly pro bono emails Explore our Pro Bono programs and resources Learn about our Pr…

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Encore: Managing Vicarious Trauma - What Pro Bono Providers Can Learn 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

(Originally published 4/28/23): Many lawyers take on pro bono cases unaware of the vicarious trauma they can experience when helping clients in extreme situations. Hear Akin Pro Bono partner Lauren Connell and interactive learning expert Ken Rosenblad discuss the types of training that can help lawyers manage their mental health — and become more e…

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Defending Constitutional Rights Pro Bono 49:41

4M ago49:41

49:41

Hear from attorneys Keith Y. Cohan and Ryan M. Goldstein of Reid Collins, and Nora Ahmed of the ACLU of Louisiana, about the Justice Lab’s longstanding advocacy for individuals impacted by discriminatory policing — and how the pursuit of justice in dozens of these cases can lead to systemic reforms. Want to hear about new Pursuing Justice releases?…

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Pursuing Justice Returns to the Movies 57:47

5M ago57:47

57:47

Join host Alicia Aiken and fellow movie buff and attorney John Whitcomb for another lively discussion of how pro bono has been depicted in past Oscar-nominated films, exploring how these stories reflect the popular understanding of access to justice. Want to hear about new Pursuing Justice releases? Subscribe to our monthly pro bono emails Explore …

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Encore: “Be curious. Try stuff. Stay connected.” 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Pursuing Justice Podcast Episode 57: (Originally Published May 6th, 2022) What does it mean to design a fulfilling life in the law? And how does pro bono fit in? In this encore episode of Pursuing Justice: The Pro Bono Files, host Alicia Aiken talks to Michigan Law professors Bridgette Carr and Vivek Sankaran and attorney Jessica Morton about takin…

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Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP – Righting the Wrong: The Power of Pro Bono 14:01

6M ago14:01

14:01

Kramer Levin’s commitment to justice is powerfully exemplified in its pro bono work to overturn the wrongful conviction of Anthony Hall, who spent 26 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Through relentless legal advocacy, strategic litigation, and an impactful partnership with Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, the firm fought to expose crit…

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Toby Rothschild: A Life in Legal Services 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

Alicia Aiken speaks with Toby Rothschild, Of Counsel, OneJustice, about his career spanning more than 50 years in legal services, how he motivates others to do pro bono work, and why he’s still dedicated to teaching and giving back in spite of being “retired.” Toby is the winner of PLI’s inaugural Victor J. Rubino Award for Excellence in Pro Bono T…

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Helping Victims of Non-Consensual Pornography 1:04:14

8M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Non-consensual disclosure of intimate images, commonly known as revenge porn, can have a devastating impact on victims, mostly women. Launched a decade ago to provide pro bono support to these victims, the Cyber Civil Rights Project receives more than 30 requests for assistance per week. Hear from David Bateman and Amy L. Groff, of K&L Gates, and E…

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“Elevate the Truth”: Pro Bono for Journalists | Part Two 46:59

9M ago46:59

46:59

In Part Two of our episode on pro bono legal assistance for journalists, hear how ProJourn lawyers are fighting to ensure that Open Vallejo — a local independent newsroom in California — can shine a light on serious police misconduct and local government. Want to hear about new Pursuing Justice releases? Subscribe to our monthly pro bono emails Exp…

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“Elevate the Truth”: Pro Bono for Journalists | Part One 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

Local journalism is in crisis — and among its challenges is the urgent need for lawyers to enforce open records laws and assess stories for legal vulnerabilities. In Part One, hear how lawyers from Microsoft and Davis Wright Tremaine joined forces with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Knight Foundation to build ProJourn, an …

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Two Pro Bono Projects Expanding Legal Access: Accenture 18:26

9M ago18:26

18:26

Accenture has been a leader in expanding legal access, with impactful projects like Disability:In and a name change pro bono initiative in Brazil with NGO Casa Florescer. These efforts highlight how in-house legal teams can structure and deliver different pro bono legal services, even within the same corporation. In this Challenge Signatory Showcas…

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Taste-Testing Pro Bono 54:19

10M ago54:19

54:19

Matching willing lawyers with appropriate pro bono projects can be a challenge. What are the factors that contribute to their decisions to work on one project or another — or to even get involved at all? Two experts on managing and advising pro bono teams, Julia Wilson and Kelly Tautges, share how in-depth discussions and focus groups have helped t…

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Restoring Voting Rights in Florida 47:44

11M ago47:44

47:44

Florida recently restored the right to vote to over a million individuals who have served time for felony criminal convictions, but thousands in the state are still disenfranchised due to court fees and other hurdles. Hear from lawyers involved in voting rights restoration — as well as a client looking forward to voting — about the long and complex…

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Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga—Voices for Change: Pro Bono Advocacy for Social Justice in Brazil 25:29

11M ago25:29

25:29

Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga has been a trailblazer in advancing access to justice in Brazil, dedicating its pro bono efforts to some of the most pressing social issues. Their work addresses racial discrimination, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and refugee protection, leaving a profound and lasting impact on both individuals and …

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Alleviating Entrepreneurs’ Pain Points With Pro Bono 44:43

12M ago44:43

44:43

Entrepreneurs, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, face a lot of pain points when starting a new business or nonprofit enterprise. Hear how corporate lawyers can ease the pain, and support initiatives that benefit communities, through pro bono legal help with Darryl Maxwell of the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Jennifer Kent of Latham & Wat…

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Citigroup Inc. Building Bridges through Pro Bono 22:07

1y ago22:07

22:07

The St. Louis Pro Bono Partnership is a remarkable collaboration involving three key organizations, Citigroup Inc. (Citi), Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, and the local legal aid organization, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, that are focused on providing legal support to underserved communities. The partnership is a testament to the impact that ca…

1
Aiding Underserved Investors 47:44

1y ago47:44

47:44

In this special crossover episode with PLI’s inSecurities podcast, hear about how pro bono clinics can help vulnerable investors protect their hard-earned retirement funds and nest eggs. Alicia Aiken is joined by Kurt Wolfe and Chris Ekimoff for an informative conversation with law professors, a recent law school grad, and an SEC attorney about the…

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Pro Bono Transitions: From Law Student to Big Law Associate, Part Two 37:16

1y ago37:16

37:16

In the second part of Alicia Aiken’s conversation with Lexi Wung, recorded over a year later, Lexi has completed her first year as an associate with Kirkland & Ellis. Has she held on to her passion for pro bono? Hear what her experience has been like as she takes on “interesting, difficult, but meaningful” pro bono cases while building her skills i…

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Pro Bono Transitions: From Law Student to Big Law Associate, Part One 29:15

1y ago29:15

29:15

For a law student, it can be hard to figure out what a law firm job will be like — and whether pro bono will really be supported as part of regular work life. In the first of a two-part episode, hear from Lexi Wung, then a recent Michigan law grad entering a Big Law firm. She shares her aspirations, questions, and fears as an up-and-coming first-ge…

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Entergy Legal Department–Lighting Up Justice: The Spark of EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day 25:39

1y ago25:39

25:39

In 2022, Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO), the global in-house project of Pro Bono Institute (PBI), partnered with the legal department of Entergy Corporation and Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to establish EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day. EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day is an annual day of pro bono service for volunteer attorneys and legal staff from electric and gas c…

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Bonus Episode: Ryan Haygood and Ezra Rosenberg 32:03

1+ y ago32:03

32:03

In this bonus episode, Ryan Haygood and Ezra Rosenberg — recently featured in the Protecting Voting Rights episode — share how their backgrounds led to their professional focus on voter advocacy. Related CLE Program: You may also be interested in Voter Rights 2024. Attendees will examine current voting laws and challenges in the United States and l…

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Protecting Voting Rights 41:52

1+ y ago41:52

41:52

Laws restricting the ability to vote, such as unnecessarily strict voter ID requirements, disproportionately impact voters of color. Hear a conversation with Ezra Rosenberg (Voter Rights 2024 Program Chair) and Ryan Haygood about how pro bono advocacy plays a crucial role in the ongoing fight to protect voters’ rights and fulfill the American visio…

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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP: Creatively Redressing the Criminalization of Marijuana Use 16:08

1+ y ago16:08

16:08

In partnership with The Bronx Defenders, Cleary attorneys have been supporting the launch of New York State’s Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licensing program. The first of its kind, this program prioritizes licensing individuals affected by the past criminalization of marijuana use. We spoke with Cleary Gottlieb Pro Bono Counsel, Katherin…

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Pursuing Justice at the Movies 1:09:00

1+ y ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Host Alicia Aiken welcomes fellow movie buff and attorney John Whitcomb for a lively discussion of how pro bono has been depicted in past Oscar-nominated films — and how these stories reflect the popular understanding of access to justice. Want to hear about new Pursuing Justice releases? Subscribe to our monthly pro bono emails Explore our Pro Bon…

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Protecting Philly Homeowners 47:34

1+ y ago47:34

47:34

There is a looming crisis in Philadelphia, where the poverty rate is high, the housing stock is old, and gentrification is transforming traditionally Black neighborhoods. The ability to pass on generational wealth is at risk, as families who thought they legally inherited their homes encounter “tangled titles” and other legal complications. Learn h…

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GSK Empowering New Beginnings: Pro Bono Efforts to Secure Identity and Support for the Homeless 14:44

1+ y ago14:44

14:44

In 2023, 148 members of GSK's Legal and Compliance Department global pro bono program served 160 clients,providing over 1200 hours of service. Since 2015, GSK has partnered with Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), an organization that provides free legal services to individuals and families who experience or face homelessness in Philadelphia. GSK lawy…

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Enlisting In-House Counsel to Support Homeless Youth 1:05:33

1+ y ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Finding accurate, locally specific information about the rights of homeless youth can be challenging. To address that problem, Baker & McKenzie leads pro bono teams that create Homeless Youth Handbooks for each state. Learn how Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the in-house legal team from Enterprise Mobility joined up with Baker & McKenzie to…

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Podcasting Pro Bono: A Look Back at 2023 43:48

1+ y ago43:48

43:48

In this year-end episode, host Alicia Aiken sits down with producer Daniel Painitz to chat about Pursuing Justice’s coverage of hot topics in the news, issues of interest to in-house counsel, ethical storytelling, helping veterans and artists — and much more. PLI is proud to support the essential public service work of the legal profession: Explore…

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Serving the Public Good: Entrepreneur Edition 47:10

1+ y ago47:10

47:10

In the legal space, Pro Bono typically means working for free — volunteering your time and legal skills. What if there’s another way to serve the public good? In this episode, meet Daissy Dominguez and Samoane Williams and learn about the Justice Entrepreneurs Project, which creates law firms designed to meet working families’ legal needs with pred…

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11/16/23 Intel’s Pro Bono Expungement Clinics: PBI Signatory Showcase 11:34

2y ago11:34

11:34

In 2021, Intel Corporation partnered with legal service organizations across the country to provide pro bono assistance through expungement clinics in support of their commitment to racial justice. With unique volunteer opportunities available for all staff, Intel was able to bring in a much larger group of volunteers beyond attorneys. Their teams …

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A Pro Bono Clinic in Action 54:40

2y ago54:40

54:40

Join host Alicia Aiken for a field trip to a pro bono clinic run by Katten and Legal Aid Chicago at the Jose De Diego School in Chicago. Listen in as attorneys tackle tricky questions on the spot and hear how the clinic helps dozens of clients with family law, evictions, expungements, and more. Special thanks to Jonathan Baum, Allison Clark, Matt D…

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Volunteering for Senior Vets 38:01

2y ago38:01

38:01

“When they hear that you're a veteran, it’s an immediate connection. They know that I can understand what they’re talking about … because I lived through it too.” – Monica De Martin The veteran population is aging rapidly, and many senior vets need legal assistance with end-of-life planning, including wills. Monica De Martin, Director ‒ Counsel, In…

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9/21/23 Pro Bono Immigration Clinics: PBI Signatory Showcase Featuring Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and Skadden 18:48

2y ago18:48

18:48

ADM and Skadden formed a pro bono partnership in 2019 to create a series of pro bono days of service, including clinics hosted in Skadden’s office. Since then, they have provided pro bono legal assistance to an array of clients – and over the years the partnership has averaged in assisting 12 to 40 individuals during each clinic. ADM and Skadden ha…

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Encore: Disaster Strikes, Lawyers Respond 41:58

2y ago41:58

41:58

When hurricanes, floods, fires — and sometimes all of the above — strike, how can lawyers help individuals and communities respond and recover? In this encore episode, Alicia Aiken talks to seasoned disaster relief attorneys about how pro bono can make a difference in disasters, and how lawyers can prepare to pitch in. Related CLE content: Connect …

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Supporting Artists Through Pro Bono 42:33

2y ago42:33

42:33

The vast majority of artists working today are not well known or well paid. And those artists with fewer resources are often those with the greatest need for legal counsel, from protecting their intellectual property to drawing up contracts and more. In this episode, Amy Lehman, of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and Jordan Miner Romanoff, of BNY M…

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7/19/23 Religious Discrimination: PBI Signatory Showcase Featuring Milbank LLP 15:57

2y ago15:57

15:57

Religious Discrimination Milbank LLP In a pro bono case Milbank represented All Muslim Association of America (AMAA), a non-profit that provides low-cost burial and funeral services to Muslims in the DMV area, against a county in Virginia that created an ordinance that specifically made it impossible for AMAA to put a cemetery on their property. Mi…

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Practicing Trauma-Informed Lawyering 39:37

2y ago39:37

39:37

Trauma-informed lawyering isn’t just helpful for victims of violence. In this episode, Nefertiti J. Alexander, a litigation partner and expert on trauma-informed practice, shares how this approach can strengthen your relationship with all kinds of clients, both pro bono and commercial, by helping you understand how they engage with the world. Relat…

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Centering the Client in Pro Bono Storytelling 48:48

2+ y ago48:48

48:48

Pro bono stories can be compelling, informative, and persuasive, but they can also carry risks for clients. In this episode, Maricarmen Garza of the Tahirih Justice Center and Erin Kinsella of the Practising Law Institute speak with host Alicia Aiken about how the principles of ethical storytelling and client confidentiality can help protect probon…

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5/25/23 Racial Justice: PBI Signatory Showcase Featuring Crowell & Moring 13:23

2+ y ago13:23

13:23

Racial Justice Crowell & Moring On June 28, 2021, in a victory for racial justice, a settlement was announced on behalf of four residents of Baltimore’s Harlem Park, a predominately Black neighborhood, who filed a federal court lawsuit against the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) and former Police Commissioner Kevin Davis. The residents’ laws…

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Managing Vicarious Trauma: What Pro Bono Providers Can Learn 52:37

2+ y ago52:37

52:37

Many lawyers take on probono cases unaware of the vicarious trauma they can experience when helping clients in extreme situations. Hear Akin Pro Bono partner Lauren Connell and interactive learning expert Ken Rosenblad discuss the types of training that can help lawyers manage their mental health — and become more effective advocates. Related CLE C…

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In-House Pro Bono Team Helps Unhoused Families 49:59

2+ y ago49:59

49:59

In-house counsel face structural challenges to getting involved in pro bono projects. In this episode, hear how Amazon’s in-house team joined forces with a Big Law firm and a social services organization to make a difference for unhoused people in Seattle. PLI is proud to offer programs, Pro Bono Memberships, and scholarships to support the essenti…

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3/29/23 Pro Bono and Indigenous People: PBI Signatory Showcase featuring Robins Kaplan 13:26

2+ y ago13:26

13:26

Robins Kaplan Pro Bono and Indigenous People In a pro bono case that has drawn national attention, Robins Kaplan sued the federal government on behalf of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services closed the only emergency room on the Rosebud Reservation. On behalf of the Tribe, Robins Kaplan attorneys argued that th…

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2/16/2023 Attorney Fees: Reed Smith 18:23

2+ y ago18:23

18:23

Attorney Fees Reed Smith In this episode, PBI interviews Chris Walters, Senior Pro Bono Counsel at Reed Smith. Chris describes Reed Smith’s successful appeal in the Ninth Circuit of a lower court’s refusal to grant Reed Smith attorney fees in conjunction with the firm’s pro bono representation of a mistreated prisoner in the California correctional…

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Encore: Making Detroit Entrepreneurs Capital Ready 35:04

2+ y ago35:04

35:04

Entrepreneurship is one traditional path to building stability and strengthening communities in the United States, but many Black and Brown business owners lack access to the capital they need to sustain and grow their business ideas. In light of the ongoing conversations around righting the effects of historical discrimination (see Episode 28, on …

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Bonus Episode: George Fatheree III 20:24

2+ y ago20:24

20:24

In this bonus episode, hear how the partner who led the unprecedented land return of Bruce’s Beach to its rightful owners (covered in Episode 28) developed his pro bono vision and skills from early in his career, working on a range of matters including advocacy for Holocaust victims, disability rights, and arts and culture. PLI is proud to offer pr…

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Pro Bono and Reparations: The Bruce’s Beach Story 59:33

2+ y ago59:33

59:33

Bruce’s Beach, in Southern California, represents the first example in the United States of reparations to a family harmed by the racist use of eminent domain. This agreement — and the family’s recent sale of the land back to L.A. County for $20 million — was made possible by careful, skilled pro bono representation. Hear from George C. Fatheree II…

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Appellate Justice for Domestic Violence Survivors 41:17

3y ago41:17

41:17

What can be done when survivors of domestic violence face judges who are unprepared to handle their cases? Hear from Ben Weinberg, Pro Bono Partner at Dentons in Chicago, about how an Orders of Protection Appellate Project is helping pro bono clients get a second chance at getting justice from the courts. Related Links: If the topic of this episode…

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Justice Delayed, Part 2 43:11

3y ago43:11

43:11

What happens when a BigLaw firm brings its resources to bear on a wrongful conviction case? In Part 2 of this dramatic story, hear from a Milbank LLP partner and counsel about their successful pro bono advocacy for a wrongfully imprisoned client who was denied release even after his murder conviction was overturned. Related Links: National Registry…

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Justice Delayed, Part 1 40:32

3y ago40:32

40:32

As a teenager, Mark Purnell was convicted of a murder he didn’t commit. After years of self-advocacy, his case caught the attention of pro bono counsel. Hear about their dramatic fight for his exoneration. Related Links: National Registry of Exonerations profile of Mark Purnell https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?cas…