Sparer Symposium 2010

29th Annual Edward V. Sparer Symposium

 March 19, 2010

Now More Than Ever:
Expanding Access to Justice in Times of Crisis

Schedule of Events

9:00 a.m.  WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

• Michael A. Fitts, Dean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law, Penn Law School

9:15 a.m.    Fulfilling Gideon’s Promise:  Expanding Access to Criminal Legal Services

• Moderated by: Malia Brink, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Charles Cunningham, Defender Association of Philadelphia
• Robin Dahlberg, ACLU Racial Justice Program
• Jonathan Rapping, Southern Public Defender Training Center
• Abbe Smith, Georgetown University Law Center 

11:00 a.m.   And Justice for Some?:  Expanding Access to Civil Legal Services

• Moderated by:  Yolanda Vasquez, University of Pennsylvania Law School
• Laura Abel, Brennan Center for Justice
• Jeanne Charn, Harvard Law School
• Alan Houseman, Center for Law and Social Policy

12:30 p.m.   Lunch       

1:00 p.m.     KEYNOTE ADDRESS:  Maximizing Efficiencies:  Leveraging the Skills of Staff Specialists and Legal Volunteers, Peter Edelman, Georgetown University Law Center

2:00 p.m.     Taking Inventory:  Innovative Uses of Existing Resources

• Best Practices for Pro Bono Collaboration
  • Suzanne Turner, Dechert, LLP
  • Sara Woods, Philadelphia VIP 
• Maximizing Efficiencies: Leveraging the Skills of Staff Specialists and Legal Volunteers
  • Irfana Anwer, Ayuda Community Legal Interpreter Bank
  • Amal Bass, Women’s Law Project 
  • Dana Cook, Defenders Association of Philadelphia
• Meeting All Needs: Models for Holistic Advocacy
  • Ariane Eigler & Robin Steinberg, The Bronx Defenders
  • Rená Cutlip-Mason & Allison Medina, Tahirih Justice Center

4:00 p.m.     Sparer Symposium Reception Featuring Remarks by Special Guest,

 The Honorable Tomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice