Making a Difference
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Message from the Chair These difficult economic times have left our country in a complex and perilous situation. But with this uncertainty comes opportunity. As lawyers and members of the American Bar Association, we have the opportunity to respond to the needs and concerns of the American people. Through the support generated by the ABA Fund for Justice and Education, the ABA is conducting public service and educational programs that encourage our members and the profession-at-large to serve our nation’s most vulnerable populations. Read More |
| Alan S. Kopit, Chair | |
In the Spotlight
ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service
The annual National Pro Bono Celebration is scheduled for October 25 through 31, 2009. Sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, the celebration is a coordinated national effort to showcase the great difference that pro bono lawyers make to the nation, its system of justice, its communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve.
The week is also dedicated to the quest for more pro bono volunteers to meet the ever-growing legal needs of this country's most vulnerable citizens. Over 250 events in 48 states are currently being planned across the country.
Taking Action
In 1989, Steve Binder, a public defender from San Diego, founded the nation's first homeless court a special monthly Superior Court session held at local shelters for homeless defendants to resolve outstanding misdemeanor criminal cases.
Today, the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty helps the Homeless Court Program expand access to justice, reduce court costs, and help the homeless reintegrate into society and lead productive lives. Learn more about homeless courts and the ABA's role in facilitating the creation of homeless courts throughout the United States.
Educational Opportunities
| Conferences and Events | Publications |
| Conferences and Events |
| National Conference for the Minority Lawyer ABA Commission on Ethnic and Racial Diversity in the Profession and the ABA Business Law Section. |
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| September 24–25, 2009 | Hotel Sofitel | Philadelphia, PA |
| 22nd National Conference for Lawyer Assistance Programs | |
| ABA Conference for Lawyer Assistance Programs | |
| October 6–9, 2009 | Arizona Grand Resort | Phoenix, AZ |
| Symposium 2010 | |
| ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, Commission on Youth at Risk, and the Center on Children and the Law. | |
| January 24 – 27, 2010 | Omni Shoreham Hotel | Washington, DC |
ABA Commission on Domestic Violence
Safety for Kids
This easy-to-read brochure teaches children how to best protect themselves safely during a violent incident and who to go to for help. This pamphlet is perfect for legal services waiting areas, hospital emergency rooms, or child care
ABA Center for Professional Responsibility
Legal Ethics: The Lawyer’s Deskbook on Professional Responsibility (2009-2010 Edition)
This comprehensive volume on professional ethics gives you current information from a variety of sources. It is effectively organized around the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which many states have adopted, and the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct.
ABA Center on Children and the Law
Opening Doors for LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care: A Guide for Lawyers and Judges
This guide aims to increase the legal community’s awareness of LGBTQ youth in foster care and the issues they face. It provides tools for lawyers and judges to aid their advocacy and decision making on behalf of LGBTQ youth.
New Publication
FJE 2007-2008 Annual Report
Our recent annual report highlights four FJE- funded programs from the 2007-2008 bar year that demonstrate just a few ways that the Association, through the ABA Fund for Justice and Education, is improving the quality of legal services available to our most disadvantaged populations. Read More
Giving Opportunities
2008-2009 President’s Club Members
The ABA Fund for Justice and Education is proud to recognize those members who have generously donated at the President’s Club level of $1,000 or more in support of the FJE Annual Fund or an FJE-supported entity or project.
Become a President’s Club Member with a gift of $1,000 or more and help support the public service programs of the ABA. Join Today
Society of Saratoga
From the first meeting in 1878, the American Bar Association has been guided by a strong sense of public responsibility and professional pride.
To continue this tradition of service, the ABA established the Society of Saratoga Legacy Fund for those members committed to help those in need, now and in the future.
