The Power of Partnership and Pro Bono
October is always a reminder that pro bono service is more than checking a box; it’s about defending democracy. Lawyers are not just case managers but advocates, leaders, and guardians of justice. As our country approaches its 250th anniversary, our work together to protect and expand access to justice takes on even greater meaning. Civil legal aid organizations stand on the frontlines every day—keeping families in their homes, helping survivors of violence rebuild, supporting immigrants seeking safety, and ensuring that communities have access to the benefits they need to survive. This isn’t just about individual cases. It’s about protecting the systems and values that hold our democracy together. And it raises an important question: What are we doing to ensure justice survives future threats?
Our Unified Giving campaign continues to be the backbone of this work. As a year-round effort, Unified Giving strengthens the capacity of the civil legal aid network across Philadelphia, ensuring that nonprofit partners have the resources they need to meet ever-growing demand. Thanks to the commitment of our partner firms and donors, we are building steady progress toward our year-end goals and sustaining the infrastructure that makes justice accessible. Learn more about Unified Giving here.
In that spirit, we’re proud to introduce the 1964 Giving Society, a leadership circle created to honor the Foundation’s legacy year and sustain our mission for future generations. While our October 15 launch event has been postponed, the Society’s work is just beginning, and we look forward to celebrating this important milestone together soon. Learn more about the 1964 Giving Society and stay tuned for future events.
On October 16, friends and supporters will gather for a J. McLaughlin fundraiser supporting the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. Guests can shop the latest collection at J. McLaughlin, with a portion of sales benefiting the Foundation’s mission to advance equal access to justice. It’s a fun and meaningful way to unite the community to support civil legal aid. Register Here.
During Pro Bono Week, October 19–25, 2025, we will celebrate our collective responsibility to keep the doors of justice open. Our Jerseys for Justice Campaign invites partners, paralegals, and staff alike to put on their favorite jersey, donate $5, and show their support for equal access to justice. Learn more and register here.
On October 22, we are hosting a CLE program, A Jury of Whose Peers? The Struggle for Representation in Juries, moderated by me and featuring the Honorable Juan Sanchez, Jacqueline Romero, and Deborah Gross. This powerful program will explore systemic barriers to jury participation and the urgent need for more equitable court representation. Learn more and register here.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to recognize Reed Smith LLP as the 2025 Pro Bono Award honoree, who will be celebrated at this year’s Philly Justice Awards. Their extraordinary commitment to advancing equal access to justice exemplifies the best of our profession and demonstrates the true power of pro bono partnerships.
“The Power of Partnership and Pro Bono” concerns more than service hours or fundraising totals. It is about a collective commitment to stand together in defense of justice and democracy. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, let us remember that democracy is not self-sustaining. It depends on us—our partnerships, pro bono work, and willingness to show up for justice today so that it will endure tomorrow.
PS—You may think you have read everything you need to know about World War II, but The Art Spy by Michelle Young suggests otherwise. This riveting history reads like fiction, as the author tells the story of Rose Valland. Valland, the curator of the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris, becomes part of the resistance and works to save the art of the Jeu de Paume and the Louvre from the Nazi regime.