The PBI 2026 Annual Conference, organized by the Pro Bono Institute, is the premier event for pro bono leaders from law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations. Scheduled for March 4-6, 2026, at The Westin Washington, D.C., Downtown, the conference aims to advance access to justice through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
Key topics include the integration of artificial intelligence and technology in pro bono services, with sessions such as "Building the Commons: Open-Source AI Tools for Legal Help," "Justice Disrupted: The Ethics and Urgency of AI in Pro Bono," and "AI for Access: Using AI to Train and Empower Pro Bono Attorneys." These discussions will explore the ethical considerations and practical applications of AI in enhancing legal aid.
The conference offers numerous networking opportunities, including the presentation of the 2026 Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award and the 2026 President’s Award during the reception on March 5. Attendees can engage with peers, share best practices, and celebrate outstanding contributions to pro bono work.
Legal professionals committed to pro bono service and interested in leveraging technology to bridge the access to justice gap should attend. The event provides valuable insights, fosters collaboration, and highlights innovative approaches to delivering legal assistance to underserved communities.
Speakers
Ellen Patterson
Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Wells Fargo
Ellen Patterson is the Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Wells Fargo, recognized for her leadership in the company's pro bono program.
Susan Hackett
CEO (retired) at Legal Executive Leadership, LLC
Susan Hackett is the retired CEO of Legal Executive Leadership, LLC, honored for her contributions to in-house pro bono leadership.
Event Details
- Date
- March 4-6, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- The Westin Washington, D.C., Downtown
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Pro bono leaders from law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations
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