7/2/09

State Bar of Michigan President-Elect Charles R. Toy engages attendees at a May training session sponsored by the Pro Bono Initiative as Kirsten Enstice, Pro Bono Initiative member, looks on. (State Bar of Michigan photo)

More than 30 members of Michigan's legal community representing private practices, pro bono programs, legal aid providers, and law schools converged on State Bar headquarters in May for a training session aimed at increasing and improving pro bono opportunities for attorneys. 

The SBM Pro Bono Initiative coordinated the event, dubbed "Nurture the Power of Pro Bono," and covered topics such as building a successful pro bono program, strategies for case referral, and what firms seek when referring pro bono cases.

"The training was excellent substantively and because we had the opportunity to meet others in Michigan who are dedicated to providing this type of service," said Amy Timmer, Thomas M. Cooley Law School associate dean of students and professionalism. "Cooley Law School's pro bono program and our students will benefit greatly from the help and connections offered by the State Bar of Michigan." 

For more information on the State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Initiative or to learn how to obtain a referral for a pro bono case, contact your local legal aid program or Dionnie Wynter at (517) 346-6412 or dwynter@mail.michbar.org. Pro Bono Initiative training materials are available on the SBM website at http://www.michbar.org/programs/atj/home.cfm.

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