https://www.mnbar.org/
Pro Bono Week
Join us for Pro Bono Week — October 20 - 24, 2025
The Minnesota State Bar Association is celebrating Pro Bono Week, a national effort in conjunction with the ABA. The celebration honors the work of Minnesota lawyers who provide pro bono representation throughout the year, and highlights opportunities for pro bono service.
There is no cost to attend these programs as an MSBA member, and CLE credit will be available for each.
Monday, October 20, 2025 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Empowering Justice: The Imperative Need for Pro Bono
Join us for a dynamic lunchtime session focused on the urgent need for volunteer legal services. Hear from judicial and bar leaders about their support for pro bono work, learn about the challenges facing legal aid organizations, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact. This event brings together key voices in the access to justice movement to inspire action and collaboration. Whether you're new to pro bono or a longtime advocate, you'll leave with practical ways to get involved.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Legal Tools in Action: Power of Attorney and Parental Delegation in Pro Bono Practice
This session offers a practical overview of two essential legal documents—Power of Attorney and Delegation of Parental Authority—and their relevance in pro bono legal work. Attendees will gain insight into the scope, application, and legal framework governing these tools. The session will also highlight upcoming opportunities to assist underserved communities across Minnesota using these documents. Ideal for attorneys looking to expand their impact through meaningful volunteer work.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Stepping into Housing Court: A Practical Guide for Volunteer Attorneys
Join us for a skills-based overview designed to equip legal professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively volunteer at Housing Court. This session will cover the essential aspects of eviction proceedings, volunteer responsibilities, and client advocacy. Topics include the basics of eviction law, recent updates, issue spotting, relevant court rules, and how to communicate and negotiate in housing court.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
ID Document Corrections in Minnesota
Join VLN’s LGBTQ+ Legal Clinic for a CLE that will cover everything you need to know to help folks through name changes, gender marker corrections on ID documents, understand the current policy landscape, and correctly identify any the common legal issues that arise.
Friday, October 24, 2025 (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Racial Impact Sensitivity Education
Unlock the skills to advocate with impact, where racial truth meets legal action. Racial Impact Sensitivity Education (RISE) training empowers volunteer attorneys to confront Minnesota’s deep racial disparities, grasp the weight of racial trauma and sharpen their advocacy for pro bono clients through practical, equity-driven resources.
If you would like more information about Pro Bono Week, please contact Dana Miner, Director of Legal Services, at dminer@mnbars.org.
New to pro bono? Wondering where to start?
Learn how you can connect with organizations needing volunteers and get CLE credit for your pro bono service.
Pro Bono OpportunitiesPartner Events
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (12:00 pm)
Justice North PAI Pro Bono Week Training
Supporting Clients Impacted by Exploitation and Human Trafficking in Minnesota
Presenter Mel Alvar (she/they) is a public health community advocate and lived experience expert with a Bachelor’s in Applied Sciences in Public Health and Gender Studies from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Live Webcast: Zoom (1.5 standard CLE credits: CLE Code 53529)
Thursday, October 23, 2025 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota
The Power of Pro Bono CLE
This full day seminar in Detroit Lakes features sessions led by experienced attorneys and advocates, covering essential topics such as estate planning, elder justice, and strategies for maintaining healthy professional boundaries. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to strengthen their practice, better serve clients, and avoid lawyer burnout. Pending approval, participants can earn up to four CLE credits, including one ethics credit, while connecting with colleagues and reaffirming their commitment to pro bono service.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 (7:00 pm)
Volunteer Lawyers Network
Drag Queen Charity Bingo
Join us for drinks, laughs, chowing down, and, of course, bingo, all while raising money towards access to justice in Minnesota for Volunteer Lawyers Network. This bingo is hosted by Minneapolis drag queens Nina DiAngelo and Monica West at Roxy’s Cabaret.
