Pro bono often bridges the gap to access to justice for all and promotes fairness.

We have a unique responsibility as lawyers to help those in need, regardless of whether they can afford our services or not.

Our Winter 2024 edition honors women trailblazers, profiling 97th Chancellor Jen Coatsworth and remembering U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps, and longtime Bar Association staff member Elaine Lippe.

Student loans are the second largest category of consumer debt after mortgages, and greater than debt from credit cards or auto loans. 

Jen’s leadership is fueled by her passion for service, anchored by her thorough, nuanced understanding of issues that confront our profession and community, her talent as a consensus builder, her matchless work ethic, and infused with her warm, generous, kind nature. 

"Neither we nor JoAnne had a sister, and we filled that role for each other. We loved JoAnne, and our very close friendship of more than 30 years enriched our lives immeasurably."

"I will always remember JoAnne for her leadership in service to meaningful action and impactful solutions and, in this way, she will always be my co-conspirator in advancing equality and equity in the legal profession."

Justice O’Connor endured the pressure of being the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest Court. She understandably felt a special responsibility of doing an adequate job so it would be possible for other women to be appointed.

"As my year as your Chancellor comes to a close, it's a time of deep reflection and tremendous satisfaction for me."

This past May, the COVID-19 national public health emergency was declared over – just a little over three years from when it was first declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. In March 2020, the public experienced numerous challenges and pushed forward not knowing if there was an end in sight. We asked members of the Philadelphia Bar Association to reflect on the early days of the pandemic and share their thoughts on how it has changed the general practice of law, changed their personal practice, etc. for better or worse. Was the new way of doing business brought on by the pandemic welcomed or did people prefer to go back to the “good old days” of lawyering? Read edited submissions from members of the Association.