Every October, legal organizations nationwide participate in the National Celebration of Pro Bono, a week devoted to recognizing the power of pro bono legal representation in advancing access to justice for individuals and communities. For CILA, this celebration carries deep significance. The young people at the heart of our mission, unaccompanied immigrant youth, face complex legal systems, rapidly changing policy, and life-altering consequences without the support of an attorney. The presence of a dedicated attorney can change a child’s legal case and overall, their life.
As CILA shared in our blog post “Unaccompanied Immigrant Children: The Difference Representation Makes,” there is a great need for pro bono attorneys and representation can truly change outcomes. Children with attorneys can better understand their legal cases and the legal system, make informed decisions, and access vital services that support their long-term well-being. However, far too many unaccompanied immigrant youth still navigate immigration proceedings alone. During this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 19–25, 2025), we honor the volunteers closing the gap in representation and invite others to join them.
CILA’s Pro Bono Initiatives: Turning Commitment into Impact
CILA’s Pro Bono Initiatives provide the tools for a pro bono attorney or volunteer to make a tangible difference in the lives of immigrant children. With our pro bono platform, Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation, CILA connects interested volunteers with pro bono opportunities nationwide. Further, CILA provides resources and trainings specifically geared to pro bono attorneys and volunteers, and CILA also creates resources and a community for pro bono coordinators at legal service organizations.
Join Our Pro Bono Week Training
To celebrate this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono, CILA is hosting a webinar designed for attorneys and advocates interested in volunteering to help immigrant youth.
This free, virtual webinar will discuss unaccompanied immigrant children and challenges they face and explore ways attorneys and other volunteers can meaningfully change a youth’s life through pro bono representation and volunteerism.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
If you are an aspiring advocate or interested in learning more about pro bono representation, CILA invites you to get connected with us.
- Follow CILA on social media and boost our Pro Bono week posts during Pro Bono Week on Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Sign up for our quarterly Pro Bono Newsletter, Pro Bono Matters, to receive updates throughout the year about CILA’s latest resources, events, and important information to support you throughout your pro bono journey
- Create a free CILA Account to access our resources and training recordings.
- CILA is celebrating our 10th anniversary this year! Sponsor CILA’s anniversary and learn more here.
- We ask you to support CILA and our mission to build capacity for those working to advance the rights of immigrant children seeking protection and due process through our legal system, and donate to CILA.
A Note of Gratitude
CILA thanks all who already give their time and expertise to helping unaccompanied youth and providing critical representation. Your work embodies the heart of CILA’s mission and is invaluable to the lives of those you represent and support. This Pro Bono Week, and throughout the year, CILA celebrates you.