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The American Bar Association's (ABA) 10th Annual National Celebration of Pro Bono takes place from Oct. 21 through Oct. 27. The National Celebration of Pro Bono highlights the increasing need for pro bono services and access to justice. Although national in breadth, this initiative provides an opportunity for legal organizations across the country to collaboratively commemorate the vitally important contributions of America's lawyers and to recruit and train the many additional volunteers required to meet the growing demand. This initiative provides a format for showcasing the incredible difference that pro bono lawyers make to our nation, to our system of justice, to our communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve. This year the ABA is encouraging organizations to plan and participate in events focused on disaster resiliency. The celebration website, www.celebrateprobono.org, provides resources to assist in planning projects as well as a registry of featured events in local communities. The celebration of pro bono continues to support, encourage and embrace the role of paralegals offering assistance in pro bono and community events on both a local and national level.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility states that paralegals should aspire to contribute 24 hours of pro bono and community service annually. Whether a student or seasoned paralegal, there is certainly a need and role for every paralegal in the pro bono arena. Many pro bono groups and organizations offer extensive training, reference materials and mentoring to aid volunteers in gaining an understanding of eligibility requirements as well as navigating assignments and completion of pro bono tasks. A paralegal must be mindful of the ongoing role of ethics in the pro bono field. All pro bono tasks must be performed under the guidance and supervision of an attorney in direct correlation with the policies and procedures of the pro bono agency, group or organization. Paralegals must have a deep understanding of issues related to the unauthorized practice of law in pro bono.

In addition to NFPA partnering with the ABA on several national pro bono projects, including veterans and homeless youth, the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals (PAP) also continues its ongoing commitment to pro bono and community service through a wide array of local groups and organizations. In the area of pro bono, PAP joins with Philadelphia VIP to provide intake support at the local residential mortgage foreclosure diversion program as well as serving as volunteer notaries, when needed. PAP members also serve as intake volunteers at SeniorLAW Center to help with screenings for eligible seniors. This year local paralegals also contributed volunteer hours for numerous community events, including the Support Center for Child Advocates as well as Wills for Heroes. The ongoing need for access to justice is great. The contributions of paralegals in assisting in pro bono under the direct supervision of an attorney work hand-in-hand in allowing those who are unable to pay for legal assistance to obtain representation. At the same time, these instances provide paralegals with personal satisfaction and networking, as well as the ability to enhance professional development.

PAP continues to identify, develop and expand upon local pro bono projects. If you are interested in pro bono service or would like additional information on upcoming community service events, contact The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals at [email protected].

Christine M. Flynn is a litigation paralegal with Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith with 29 years of experience in the field. She is a past president of The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals (PAP). She is currently a board member and acts as the 2018 chair of pro bono, litigation, programs and professional development committees.