The PBI 2026 Annual Conference is the premier event for pro bono leaders across law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations. Organized by the Pro Bono Institute (PBI), this conference is dedicated to advancing access to justice and enhancing the impact of pro bono legal services.
The conference will feature a Pre-Conference session titled "Maximizing Access, Maximizing Justice: Expanding Pro Bono Beyond Traditional Limits," focusing on innovative initiatives and tools to broaden access to justice. Key sessions include discussions on integrating technology and artificial intelligence into pro bono work, such as "Building the Commons: Open-Source AI Tools for Legal Help" and "Justice Disrupted: The Ethics and Urgency of AI in Pro Bono."
Attendees will have opportunities to network with peers, participate in collaborative workshops, and attend the presentation of the 2026 Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award and the 2026 President’s Award during the conference reception. Notable speakers and panelists will share insights on current trends and challenges in pro bono service delivery.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals committed to pro bono work, offering a platform to learn about emerging issues, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance access to justice.
Speakers(2)
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 significant 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 at law firms, in-house legal departments, and public interest organizations