BUILDING MOMENTUM : A Look Back at North Dakota ’ s First Annual Pro Bono Summit and Looking Ahead to 2025
On Oct . 23 , 2024 , Legal Services of North Dakota ( LSND ) hosted its inaugural Pro Bono Summit during Celebrate Pro Bono Week , an event that galvanized interest among legal professionals across the state . With more than 80 attendees and generous sponsorships , the summit was an undeniable success . Keynote speaker Justice Douglas A . Bahr of the North Dakota Supreme Court delivered an inspiring address , underscoring the critical role of pro bono services in ensuring access to justice for all .
A Day of Inspiration and Collaboration
The Pro Bono Summit was designed to inspire and generate new tools and ideas to enhance pro bono engagement in North Dakota . The agenda featured presentations on innovative pro bono models , the economic impact of legal aid , and opportunities to leverage technology to streamline pro bono efforts . We also conducted a focus group session on the legal challenges in the state and new ideas for opportunities .
A notable highlight was the session led by LSND ’ s Executive Director Jen Lee , staff attorney Missy Lyke , and domestic violence attorney Jess Roscoe . They presented data demonstrating the far-reaching economic and social benefits of civil legal aid . For instance , a 2023 Wisconsin study revealed an $ 8.40 return for every $ 1 invested in legal aid . This compelling statistic reinforced the idea that pro bono services are not just charitable acts but strategic investments in community well-being .
Recognizing Our Sponsors and Partners
This landmark event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors , including the State Bar Association of North Dakota ( SBAND ), Crowley Fleck PLLP , Fredrikson & Byron , P . A ., Stinson LLP , and Vogel Law . Their commitment to pro bono work demonstrates the legal community ' s shared dedication to fostering stronger , more equitable communities across the state . We are especially grateful for SBAND ’ s partnership in this endeavor , which underscores the importance of our statewide collaboration in addressing the growing demand for legal aid .
Sustaining the Momentum
The summit highlighted the transformative potential of pro bono work – not just for individuals in need , but for the community as a whole , including many benefits to local businesses and reducing government spending . From stabilizing families and improving workforce participation to reducing the costs of homelessness and other social challenges , pro bono services create a ripple effect of positive change . However , sustaining and expanding this impact requires ongoing investment in resources , training , and infrastructure .
LSND has already begun implementing new ideas sparked by the summit , such as exploring innovative self-help clinics , advice hotlines , and partnerships with law students . These efforts aim to make pro bono participation easier and more impactful for attorneys while addressing the most pressing legal needs in our state . Additional funding is being sought to create a cohesive program within LSND that ties all these new opportunities for pro bono together with resources , case management assistance , scheduling , and training .
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the success of last year ’ s event , LSND is excited to announce the second annual Pro Bono Summit , scheduled for Wednesday , Oct . 22 . This year , LSND aims to bring together an even broader range of voices to continue the conversation about how pro bono services can transform lives and communities .
LSND is currently seeking sponsors , speakers , and supporters to help make this event another resounding success . Whether you are an attorney , a firm looking to give back , or an organization interested in contributing to access to justice , we invite you to join us . Together , we can make a lasting difference .
Get Involved
LSND is continuing to explore as many opportunities as possible to create programming that fits the busy and often limited schedules of attorneys . If you are interested in sponsoring the summit , serving as a speaker , or supporting LSND ’ s pro bono initiatives in any capacity , please contact LSND Executive Director Jen Lee at jlee @ lsnd . org . Let ’ s build on the momentum of 2024 and take pro bono efforts in North Dakota to new heights .
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