MLP | Boston and Ropes & Gray Host Poverty Simulation in Honor of Pro Bono Month

As part of Massachusetts’ declared Pro Bono Month of October and the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Celebration Week, MLP | Boston joined with law firm partner Ropes & Gray to host a poverty simulation for pro bono attorneys from the Greater Boston area. Gathered at Ropes & Gray’s Boston office, attorneys from many of Boston’s 15 pro bono partners participated while MLP | Boston staff facilitated the program.

During the simulation, participants witnessed what it means to experience poverty in day-to-day life. Each of the pro bono attorneys in attendance assumed the identity of a low income person. Then, grouped into families, they attempted to navigate everyday tasks that included dropping off and picking up children from school and daycare, buying food, paying for transportation, paying bills, and accessing government services and benefits.

As is often the case, the program participants found that their understanding of the difficulties faced by people in poverty, for whom they often provide pro bono services, expanded. “Experiencing for ourselves the barriers faced daily by low-income families provides a much fuller context for our clients’ struggles,” remarked Rosalyn Garbose Nasdor, Pro Bono Manager at Ropes & Gray. “This program was a great way to improve our capacity as pro bono attorneys and celebrate Pro Bono Month.”

MLP | Boston thanks Ropes & Gray hosting the event and all of its partners for recognizing the importance of pro bono work through this celebration and others. To learn more about MLP | Boston’s pro bono work, please contact Program Coordinator Jeff Wojciechowski.

To read Governor Deval Patrick’s proclamation declaring October “Pro Bono Month,” please click here.