“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
- Proverbs 31:9
What is the Pro Deo Conference?
The legal profession tells us that service done pro bono publico –for the public good—is one of its greatest values.
Long ago, such legal service went by a different Latin name: “Pro Deo.” It was done to and for God, in his service. We’re told that when we serve the “least of these,” its as if we serve Christ himself. Such service — caring for the poor, reaching those foreign to the Gospel, building a Kingdom marked by His grace, peace and justice — becomes Pro Deo.
Hosted by Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia, The Pro Deo Conference is a place for lawyers, paralegals, students and friends to gather, celebrate and articulate answers to difficult questions. Questions like “What is my calling as a Christian in the law?”, “If Christ was a lawyer, what would his practice look like? and “How is a Christian attorney different from any other?”
You are hereby invited to bring your experience, gifts and perspective to bear on these questions.
Why should you come?
You’re busy–we get that. It might seem hard to leave the comfort of your home on a cold winter night to venture to North Philadelphia, but it will be worth it.
Fellowship. Encouragement. Stimulation. Reflection. Challenge. Bible study. New friendships. Food. It’ll all be here, waiting for you.
So take the time out, make the necessary arrangements. We believe God will honor your sacrifice.
If you’re still not convinced, here are some more reasons to come out:
Speakers: A professor and author of one of the most influential Christian books of the 20th century. A nun who has acted as the conscience of corporations. A partner with 30 years experience at his own firm leaving it to serve in the city. A staff worker with over 25 years experience ministering on college campuses.
These are some of the individuals who will share, each contributing to a wide vision for Christians in law that encompasses your unique gifts, talents and convictions.
Low-cost: We’re striving to keep the conference cheap: $20 for students, $25 for young lawyers, $30 for seasoned lawyers. That includes tea, coffee, snacks, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and a church building that’s heated!
CLE Credit: PA lawyers will get
Free accommodation: for those from out of town, we’ll arrange for free housing in the neighborhood to keep the cost down for you. See below for more details.
