Mark O’Brien, who cofounded Pro Bono Net 25 years ago, will step down from his role as executive director on September 1. O’Brien will continue as an advisor until the end of the year to facilitate the transition to new leadership. Pro Bono Net’s board has announced a national search for a new director. In the interim, Liz Keith, the chief partnerships officer, and Rodrigo Camarena, director of Justicia Lab, will serve as interim co-directors.
O’Brien, who started Pro Bono Net alongside Michael Hertz, emphasized the potential for technology and collaboration in delivering pro bono legal services. Under his leadership, the organization has significantly expanded its reach, partnering with numerous legal services, community organizations, law firms, and governmental agencies. Pro Bono Net’s initiatives have reached more than nine million people nationwide and over 1.2 million in New York State annually.
Pro Bono Net’s mission remains focused on using technology to connect pro bono attorneys with those who most need their services and providing tools to help individuals advocate for themselves. Key programs include LawHelp.org, which connects individuals with legal aid and self-help tools, and TenantHelpNY.org, aimed at preventing evictions. National initiatives like Citizenshipworks.org assist in citizenship applications, while OlmsteadRights.org supports people with disabilities. Tools like LawHelp Interactive are used across the country to help individuals create legal documents.
Earlier this year, Pro Bono Net sold its Pro Bono Manager product to Paladin, which connects lawyers with free legal help opportunities. For further insights into O’Brien’s work and Pro Bono Net’s history, you can listen to an interview with him on the LawNext podcast.
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