organizations that have long partnered with the Atlanta Bar Association ’ s pro bono efforts , and each shared insight regarding their organizations ’ ongoing efforts , the impacts of COVID-19 on those efforts , and opportunities for members to get involved . The pro bono leaders also shared their ongoing partnership and commitment to the members of the Atlanta Bar Association . Through this program , we are pleased to share that attendees , who were introduced to the meaningful work of the represented organizations , were all eager to become more involved .
As an example of the type of information shared , Lashawnda Woods-Roberts ( Georgia Appleseed ) described the impact that volunteer attorneys can make by helping with the Student Tribunal Project , which provides qualified legal counsel to students who are facing truancy charges . Similarly , Sarah Babcock ( TIP ) described how their volunteer attorneys can also work to facilitate a return to normal and healthy school attendance for students and encourage their positive personal growth . As another example , Audrey Bergeson ( AVLF ) described how volunteer attorneys helping with the Saturday Attorney Program can assist clients to receive safe and habitable housing . This work further complements that shared by Cari Hipp ( Atlanta Legal Aid ), which focuses on safety , income maintenance , unemployment benefits , and housing .
For many in Atlanta ’ s pro bono community , COVID-19 has required a shift in the way projects are managed . Certain panelists shared the impact of COVID-19 on their own projects and operations , along with some of the collaborative ways in which their organizations have responded . For example , Monica Khant ( GAIN ) expressed how her organization has undertaken new fundraising efforts for clients who are both indisposed due to COVID-19 and unable to access unemployment benefits . Woods- Roberts and Babcock further shared with the group about a jointly held town hall focused upon addressing questions and concerns surrounding reopening of local schools . Through a collaborative effort , this venue provided a meaningful resource for parents and caregivers to support returning to school . Bergeson also shared the success seen with transition to a virtual Saturday Morning Attorney Program , without sacrificing the quality of representation provided .
In addition to highlighting their longstanding collaborative efforts , the panelists also shared extensive current volunteer opportunities . Opportunities range from transactional counseling in areas like intellectual property to delinquency , truancy , and even human rights cases . For example , Meredith Ragains ( GLA ) and Justine Cowan ( PBP-ATL ) both shared how transactional professionals looking for pro bono opportunities can be paired with organizations who need legal aid . GLA helps patent inventors and
artists such as musicians , painters , actors , and other creatives seeking to protect their legal rights . Likewise , volunteers can help PBP-ATL clients with traditional business transactions including contract review and corporate advising . Meagan Hurley ( Georgia Innocence Project ) also shared how volunteers can have valuable and meaningful experiences while investigating and / or litigating cases to exonerate the wrongly convicted . In this same vein , Khant highlighted how volunteers can assist GAIN clients seeking asylum , along with those who are victims of human trafficking or violence . Through collaborative efforts of
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this nature , the pro bono leaders in Atlanta ’ s legal community are invested in the growth and outreach of each other ’ s organizations .
In sum , the final panel discussion of the Summer Series provided an attendeeengaging platform for a wonderful group of pro bono leaders to share their ongoing work . Not only were the collaborative efforts of the organizations highlighted , but the tight-knit community formed by leaders and volunteers alike was quite apparent . Still further , despite changes experienced by many of us due to COVID-19 , meaningful opportunities remain for new volunteers to join this wonderful network and contribute valuable legal services for those who remain truly in need of assistance . If you are interested in learning more , please contact Chris Lightner at chris . lightner @ alston . com .
Top Row L-R : Cari Hipp ( ALAS ), Chris Lightner ( Alston & Bird ), Justne Cowan ( Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta ) Middle Row , L-R : Meagan Hurley ( Georgia Innocence Project ), Monica Khant ( GAIN ), Audrey Bergeson ( AVLF ) Bottom Row , L-R : Sarah Babcock ( TIP ), Meredith Ragains ( GLA ), Lashawnda Woods-Roberts ( Georgia Appleseed )
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