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Partnering for Change: How Law Firms and Non-Profits Can Maximize Pro Bono Immigration Efforts

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Friday, March 28
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Laurence E. Hirsch ’71 Classroom (Room 101)
John F. Scarpa Hall

This year’s annual symposium hosted by the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services (CARES) will focus on maximizing pro bono efforts and fostering meaningful community involvement in supporting immigrants facing complex legal challenges. This event will feature immigration attorneys, non-profit leaders and advocates, who will share practical insights on how attorneys can navigate the unique aspects of immigration law and provide crucial support through pro bono work. The symposium will also address the current immigration landscape, highlighting the specific legal needs of immigrant populations and the critical role legal professionals play in advancing justice.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the ethical, practical, and legal considerations in offering pro bono services to immigrants, emphasizing collaboration with community organizations and non-profits. Participants will learn about opportunities to provide direct legal representation and engage in broader advocacy efforts that support immigrant rights. This CLE-accredited event will provide essential knowledge for attorneys looking to give back to the community and equip them with the tools to make a tangible impact on the lives of immigrants navigating legal systems.

The Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board has approved this program for 1 Substantive and 1 Ethics CLE credits. Please note registration is required for this event. The cost of attendance is covered by a generous gift from Joseph Azrack ’69 VSB.

Agenda

Subject to change

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9:00 a.m.: Welcome

9:15–10:00 a.m.: Panel 1 – Collaboration Strategies for Immigration Matters Through Multiple Lenses

Practitioners will discuss maximizing pro bono efforts through a non-profit and private perspective and collaborating with others in immigration pro bono matters, including how students, lawyers and participants can play a role. This panel will show how law firms can organize and manage pro bono immigration projects, including how firms prioritize cases, assign resources and work with external partners. Panelists will share strategies for efficiently managing immigration cases, navigating legal challenges and ensuring long-term impact. It will also discuss the ethical and operational challenges firms face in handling these cases.

• , Partner, Palladino, Isbell & Casazza
• , Founder & Executive Director, Project Libertad
• Moderated by Morgan Nash ’26

10:30 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Panel 2 – Community-Driven Justice: Pro Bono Needs and Models for Supporting Immigrant Rights

This panel will bring together community-based organizations at the forefront of advocating for immigrant rights to share valuable insights on the pressing pro bono needs within immigrant communities. Panelists will discuss successful models for collaboration between legal professionals and grassroots organizations, emphasizing how lawyers can effectively partner with community groups to provide meaningful support. Community-based organizations will highlight specific legal needs, the challenges immigrants face and how attorneys can step in to make a real impact. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to align their pro bono efforts with community-driven initiatives to help build a more robust network of support for immigrant populations.

• , Pennsylvania State Director, CASA
• , Executive Director, PICC
• Moderated by Gabrielle Huff '26

12:00–1:00 p.m.: Lunch Keynote

• Sheila McNulty, former Chief Immigration Judge, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)