CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2025 — Lawyers and law firms across the country will participate in volunteer events Oct. 19-25 as part of the National Celebration of Pro Bono. This year’s theme is “Supporting Communities.”
“Now more than ever, lawyers should commit to providing pro bono because this is a key element to access to justice,” said ABA President Michelle Behnke. “Access to justice is also a key element of the rule of law. If citizens are locked out of our systems, they won’t understand what we are fighting for when we say that we are fighting for the rule of law.”
In the 16 years since the national celebration began in 2009, more than 15,000 pro bono events have taken place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Recently, the national celebration has focused on specific themes, justice for all as well as service to victims of domestic violence, veterans, homeless youth and disaster resiliency.
Events taking place this year include:
A listing of opportunities in each state during the national celebration can be found here.
Behnke will give a video welcome at the Celebrating Champions of Justice & Service reception for the ABA Pro Bono Publico Awards presented by the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service and the Sharon L. Corbitt and Judith S. Kaye Awards presented by the ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 29.
ABA Giving Day also is held during the Celebration of Pro Bono. The Oct. 23 event, organized by the ABA Fund for Justice and Education, raises attention and supports nearly 50 ABA programs that help others through public service, policy initiatives and education.
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