As a former chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono, Hirshon is very committed to pro bono and is making access to legal services a cornerstone of his presidency. It was exciting to see his enthusiasm for and commitment to pro bono. The other liaisons to the Committee come from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National Association of Pro Bono Coordinators, the Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants, and the Pro Bono Institute. Unfortunately, I became ill early Saturday morning and missed the morning session. The afternoon session, however, was interesting.
Plans are underway to hire a project director.
As plans evolve nationally, this may be a project in which paralegals could become involved. The annual ABA pro bono awards were discussed. Currently paralegals are not eligible for the awards, but the chair indicated that issue will be discussed at the March Committee meeting. The attendees were surprised to find out how many paralegals there are nationwide . . . The online version of the registration form does include a box where paralegals may register for this terrific conference, which will be held in San Diego, CA, from March 29-31.