Northeast Ohio attorneys have an opportunity to network and learn about pro bono opportunities at the Lawyer to Lawyer Give Back for Justice Event at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Give Back for Justice encourages new lawyers and their mentors, who participate in the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, to get involved with pro bono activities in their area. The Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring program matches attorneys who were recently admitted to the practice of law with more experienced attorneys to elevate the professionalism and success of Ohio lawyers.

The Supreme Court and CMBA are teaming up with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., so attorneys can have an opportunity to talk to pro bono providers and explore available opportunities.

“Our goal is to create a culture of pro bono within the Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, with the hope that once mentors and new lawyers have completed their mentoring service they will continue the habit of pro bono throughout their professional careers,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said.

This is the first of many Lawyer to Lawyer Give Back for Justice Events planned across the state. Lori Keating, the commission’s secretary, said that many lawyers don’t realize the diversity of pro bono opportunities in their local communities and how easy it is to become involved. 

“Whether a mentoring pair chooses to work at a brief-advice clinic for an evening, serve as co-counsel on a pro bono case, or pursue some other pro bono commitment, they will take on an enriching educational experience that fulfills their professional responsibility as lawyers to help ensure justice is available for all Ohioans,” Keating said.

What: Meet with judges and fellow mentoring participants from northeast Ohio and register for pro bono opportunities.

When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 8

Where: Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 1375 E. Ninth St., #2, Cleveland, OH, 44114

Attorneys are encouraged to register for the Give Back to Justice Event.