Chief Justice Debra Todd has published her annual open letter to Pennsylvania attorneys encouraging support of pro bono legal work across the Commonwealth. She joins outgoing Pennsylvania Bar Association President Kristen Hamilton and incoming President James R. Antoniono, in encouraging all Pennsylvania attorneys “to protect the rule of law and the American dream through Pro Bono service.”
Chief Justice Todd lauds the efforts of those currently performing such needed legal work and recognizes each PA attorney’s contribution to civil legal aid through the IOLTA portion of the annual attorney registration fee. Chief Justice Todd notes that financial support for civil legal aid is also provided by class action residual funds in the state courts, and by the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which is funded by pro hac vice fees, “making it easier for law school graduates to pursue positions in public service by working for legal service agencies.”
Chief Justice Todd recognizes the variety of opportunities to perform pro bono legal work in the Commonwealth, including the Court’s emeritus status, first established in 2018 for attorneys who have retired from the practice of law who seek to provide pro bono services through eligible legal aid organizations, and the ability to earn CLE credit for Pro Bono service.
Read Chief Justice Todd’s full letter here.