Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

       

     We have the potential to change the world at The Pro Bono Project - at least the world of those underserved citizens in our region who come to The Pro Bono Project with pressing civil legal needs. Thanks to our group of thoughtful, committed volunteers willing to share their legal skills and talent to change our clients' lives, we are making a difference - one person at a time.

 

     With every civil legal case resolved, we help our clients achieve peace of mind, and in the process, we help them reclaim their lives as productive members of our community. And doing so benefits us all.

 

     Who are The Project's clients?

• The mother who no longer has to worry about an abusive spouse and whether she will lose custody of her children.
• The worker who finally receives the back wages owed to him/her by an unscrupulous employer.
• The senior or veteran who finally receives the social security or disability benefits to which he/she is entitled.
• The child who feels safe, protected by a lawyer advocating on his/her behalf.
• The father who is ensured custody of his children when his estranged wife suddenly dies, leaving no explicit instructions for the children's custody or well-being.
• The young, professional, hard-working single mother or senior, relieved of the burden of credit card debt and able to start fresh.

      But helping our clients regain peace of mind comes at a cost. And that's where The Pro Bono Project plays its most critical role - matching those in need of civil legal services with lawyers willing to do pro bono work.

 

     Funding at the state and federal levels continues to shrink while the need for civil legal services in our community continues to grow.  When you financially contribute to The Project, we are able to leverage every single dollar of your donation to do more to serve the needs of our residents dealing with civil legal issues but who cannot afford a lawyer. Your contribution to The Project is a smart investment in our community.

 

     As part of that group of thoughtful, committed volunteers and donors who support the work of The Project with your time, talent, and financial generosity, you make a profound change in our world - one client at a time.

 

     We are asking you to make an individual contribution in the amount of $100, or the maximum you can afford to give, in order to help The Project continue to ensure that all Louisiana citizens can be productive members of our community.

 

     You can make your individual pledge for 2013 securely online, through Louisiana Gives (Just Give), by downloading a Pledge Form or by calling the office at 504.581.4043.  

 

     You can designate how you want your funds to be used - whether towards a specific program, in honor, celebration or memory of someone or some event, or as part of our general operating efforts. 

 

     Our thanks in advance for your generous support and continued commitment to our work - we couldn't do it without you.

 

All the best,

 

Rachel                       

Rachel Piercey            

Executive Director       

  

PS -- Spread the word about The Pro Bono Project by using the new social media buttons and connect this newsletter to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social media page. Thanks!     

     

     It's been a busy house at The Pro Bono Project this summer with law school interns from local and regional universities. We always enjoy having the students with us - there's nothing like hands-on experience to add some real life to the theory of law. Here are some of their thoughts about working with The Project in our 'summer school.'

 

l to r: Linton Carney, Jessica Palomino, Zakiya LaGrange, Ayanna Collins, Angela Goodrum, Debra Owens, Rachel Piercey

     Working at The Pro Bono Project was a significant milestone in my law school career and in my own personal development.

     Learning successions changed my perspective of property law and showed me how important it is for many families in New Orleans. 

    Thank you for allowing me to experience the great need for legal representation of lower-income persons, and the even greater work that you all do everyday. I am interested in Advocacy work and this internship gave me positive exposure to it.

 - Ayanna Collins, MBA 

Barry University School of Law (Orlando, FL)

1L Part Time Evening Student

 

   I particularly enjoyed learning about juvenile court and going through the bankruptcy clinic with struggling debtors - very eye-opening.

Tulane Law/Rising 3L

     Sam worked as an extern at The Project in May and June, helping Staff Attorney Jesse George on consumer and Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. 

 

     It was great to help organize and then work at The Project's latest Divorce Workshop, where I assisted over 115 clients. I'm getting first-hand experience in all aspects of a law office including court runs, client interaction, and research. 

- Dianna Duffy

Loyola Law/2L

     Dianna is a Gillis Long Scholar and will serve as Student Bar Association Secretary during the next semester. This summer, she worked with The Project, focusing on Family Law.  

 

     I'm providing legal assistance to Louisiana residents filing claims with the Deepwater Horizon Settlement Authority and am helping to broaden outreach to coastal communities. I just spent a day in Terrebonne Parish canvassing the community and helping to set up a clinic for next week.

- Jacquelyn Aaron

Loyola Law/3L

Earn money for The Pro Bono Project every time you do the things you do everyday:

Give to The Project by searching, shopping and Dining: GoodSearch, GoodShop or GoodDining and many other functions of the GoodSearch website. Be sure to choose The Project as your non-profit when entering any of these websites.

Shop for The Project through LOUISIANA GIVES (Just Give)