Defending Core Rights: Pro Bono Advocacy for Section 1983 Claims

Section 1983 safeguards civil rights by allowing an individual the right to sue state government employees and others acting "under color of state law" for civil rights violations. To bolster familiarity and use of this invaluable remedy, the South Florida FBA Chapter will be hosting a pro bono program dedicated to encouraging attorneys to take on more Section 1983 cases representing otherwise pro se litigants. This program aims to achieve that goal by (1) reducing any apprehension an attorney may have with 1983 claims because of lack of subject-matter knowledge or hurdles dealing with possibly incarcerated clients, (2) noting the substantial case management and trial experience that these cases afford as there are several who need representation with cases in various procedural postures, and (3) promoting the non-tangible rewards of taking on pro bono cases dealing with our core rights.

Speakers:

Judge Lisette M. Reid, Chris Lomax, and Ariel Lett

Please join us on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the offices of Greenberg Traurig LLP - 333 SE 2nd Ave - and help raise the quality of legal representation for those in need.

Image credit: Detail from the Civil Rights mural on Clematis St, West Palm Beach by Street Art Revolution, www.streetartrevolution.org