This summer, Congress passed H.R. 1 – sweeping legislation that is reshaping who has access to health insurance, disability support services and food assistance. Combined with drastic cuts to the federal workforce and the government shutdown, these measures have made accessing and retaining critical benefits even harder. 

For millions of hardworking families, the results are stark:

  • Rising affordability challenges as Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) support shrink, leaving more people facing unaffordable care. 
  • New barriers to food and housing stability, as work requirements tighten and states lose the ability to waive them in struggling communities. 
  • Widening justice gaps, as those cut off from benefits must navigate confusing systems alone. 

For those already living paycheck to paycheck, these changes mean impossible choices: paying rent or putting food on the table, filling a prescription or covering a utility bill. 

At Pro Bono Net, we know what happens when the safety net is stripped away – it forces people into the legal system to fight for health care, housing, food, and financial security. 

Our LawHelp program connects people to free legal information, referrals to trusted legal aid programs, and self-advocacy tools. Through our 16-state network, we help over 20,000 people every day navigate pressing issues from family safety and housing stability to unemployment and food insecurity, ensuring that no one faces these battles alone.

Today, more people than ever will need LawHelp to understand their rights and find help. And they’ll need us – and you – to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks. 

Your support powers this legal lifeline. Together, we can ensure that those hardest hit by these cuts are not left without options or hope. 

Naturalization represents more than a legal status – it is a promise of belonging, opportunity, and protection. Today, on Citizenship Day, we celebrate and honor the courage, dedication, and hopes of people striving to become U.S. citizens. Their journeys are the heart of our country’s promise – but too often, barriers get in the way. 

At Pro Bono Net, we believe those obstacles shouldn’t stand in the way of families who have lived, worked, and contributed here for years. That’s why we created Citizenshipworks.org—to make applying for citizenship safer, simpler, and more affordable.

The forces trying to restrict access to citizenship don’t just make headlines. They create real obstacles for real people: parents, essential workers, long-time legal residents whose lives and families depend on naturalization. Families who have lived, worked, and contributed here for years now face uncertainty about whether their path to citizenship will remain open. 

How Citizenshipworks helps:

  • Simple, step-by-step guidance. Citizenshipworks guides applicants through the process from eligibility to filling out the USCIS form, skipping legal jargon and using plain language so people aren’t overwhelmed.
  • Access to legal help. If there is a problem or concern in the application, or someone needs more support, Citizenshipwork connects users with trusted nonprofit legal services – live, online or in their area. 
  • Test prep and tools. Citizenshipworks offers tools to prepare for the naturalization interview and civics/English tests. It provides tutorials, interactive interviews, checklists, document trackers, and savings calculators to plan for feeds. 
  • Reach and Scale. Since 2011, Citizenshipworks has helped over 60,000 people begin or complete naturalization applications through partnerships with more than 200 nonprofit and local organizations. 

One Citizenshipworks user said, “Excellent resource for filing for citizenship on your own with step by step guidance put forth in an easy non-overwhelming way! Highly recommended! Thank you to Citizenshipworks, a service to humanity.”

This work is only possible with your support. On a day meant to celebrate citizenship, we must also commit to protecting it. Your gift today will ensure that more aspiring Americans can continue their journey – and that the promise of citizenship remains a reality for future generations.

If you know an immigrant-serving organization that could benefit from Citizenshipworks, or a law firm interested in supporting naturalization clinics in our national partner network – please reach out to us to learn more.

JULY 17, 2025 — NEW YORK, NY 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Darling
development@probono.net

Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit leader in transforming access to justice through technology and collaboration, is pleased to announce the appointment of seven distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Anne Chandler, Joe Green, Scott Rechtschaffen, Damien Riehl, Dr. Rebecca Sandefur, Jacqueline Schafer, and Pelin Serpin.

With deep expertise in access to justice research, legal services delivery, and legal technology, these new members will help guide Pro Bono Net’s strategic direction in its next chapter of impact.

“We are incredibly excited about our new board members. When I reflect on what has allowed Pro Bono Net to work effectively across the access to justice community for 25 years, it is our amazing staff, our generous supporters and partner organizations and last but not least an incredibly committed and hardworking board. Anne, Joe, Scott, Damien, Rebecca, Jacqueline, and Pelin welcome!” – Michael Hertz, Pro Bono Net Co-Founder and Board Member 

Meet Our New Board Members

Anne Chandler is the Founding Executive Director of the Texas Immigration Law Council, a statewide legal advocacy organization launched in 2023. A lifelong advocate for immigrant rights, Anne previously led Houston Volunteer Lawyers—the largest pro bono legal services provider in Texas—and the Houston office of the Tahirih Justice Center. Her efforts have supported thousands of immigrants and survivors of violence. Anne also served as a Clinical Professor at the University of Houston Law Center’s Immigration Clinic and has received honors from the State Bar of Texas and The Christian Science Monitor for her work.

Joe Green is Chief Innovation Officer at Gunderson Dettmer, where he leads innovation efforts to modernize the firm’s legal service delivery and business model. Also of counsel in the firm’s New York office, Joe brings extensive experience advising startups and venture capitalists. A widely published writer and speaker on legal innovation, his academic work has been cited by SEC officials. Previously, he served as a Senior Legal Editor at Practical Law, where he developed solutions to help lawyers work more efficiently.

Scott Rechtschaffen is Chief Knowledge Officer at Littler Mendelson, where he leads a 60+ person knowledge management team to drive innovation in legal service delivery. A 10-year member of the firm’s board and current AI Governance Committee member, Scott also co-founded ComplianceHR, a legal tech venture focused on employment law compliance. He has been named to the Fastcase 50 and was recognized by the Financial Times as one of North America’s most innovative lawyers.

Damien Riehl is a lawyer and technologist who combines decades of experience in litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A leader in legal data and AI, he serves as Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s AI Committee and Co-Chair of the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles. At the vLex Group, Damien helps integrate AI across legal research platforms spanning over 100 countries. He’s also a key contributor to legal data standards through his earlier expansion of SALI and his current work with the ALEA Institute’s FOLIO project.

Rebecca L. Sandefur is a Professor at the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, and a courtesy Professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. A nationally recognized leader in civil justice research, her work spans legal service delivery, the role of pro bono, and the use of lawyers, non-lawyers, and digital tools in resolving legal issues. Dr. Sandefur also serves as Faculty Fellow at the American Bar Foundation, where she founded and leads the Access to Justice Research Initiative. She was appointed to the Arizona Commission on Access to Justice and co-founded Frontline Justice with Matthew Burnett.

Jacqueline Schafer is the founder and CEO of Clearbrief.ai, recognized as Legalweek’s 2023 Litigation Product of the Year and a 2025 finalist for Best Use of AI in Litigation. Named 2025 Innovator of the Year by Legalweek and a 2025 ABA Legal Rebel, Jackie is a trailblazer in legal AI. She previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in Alaska and Washington and in-house counsel at a $3B national nonprofit. Her accolades include the ABA Women of Legal Tech and Fastcase 50. She currently serves on AI and legal technology committees with the Texas and Washington state bars.

Pelin Serpin is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York, where she advises companies on complex corporate and commercial transactions relating to technology and intellectual property. Her work spans M&A, strategic alliances, and IP licensing and commercialization in sectors including digital health, AI, FinTech, and electric and autonomous vehicles. Pelin actively contributes to the firm’s Inclusion, Opportunity & Community Committee and regularly speaks on emerging technology-related legal issues such as generative AI. She earned her JD from Columbia Law School in 2016.

View the full list of Pro Bono Net’s Board of Directors here. Their leadership is instrumental in fulfilling Pro Bono Net’s mission and strategic goals.

About Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is the country’s leading nonprofit access to justice innovator with a 25-year history of impact. We build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives. In 2024, we reached more than 10 million people with online legal rights resources, self-advocacy support, and referrals to trusted legal help.

JUNE 23RD, 2025 — NEW YORK, NY 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Greenwald
development@probono.net

The Board of Directors of Pro Bono Net is pleased to announce the appointment of Zach Zarnow as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective July 7, 2025. Zach joins Pro Bono Net following his tenure as Deputy Managing Director of the Access to Justice Team at the National Center for State Courts, bringing a wealth of experience in public interest law, nonprofit leadership, and national strategy.

Zach has dedicated his career to expanding access to justice through collaboration, innovation, and equity-centered systems change. He is a longtime advocate for empowering communities and transforming the justice system to better serve those most in need. The Board is confident in his leadership and excited to support his vision as Pro Bono Net enters its next chapter.

“Zach’s experience, values, and commitment to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide Pro Bono Net forward,” said Betty Balli Torres, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the impact of his leadership in the years ahead.”

Zach’s appointment follows a rigorous and inclusive search process led by the Board of Directors in partnership with CFW Careers and informed by input from Pro Bono Net’s dedicated staff. The organization was fortunate to engage with a strong and inspiring pool of candidates, a testament to Pro Bono Net’s reputation and the importance of its mission.

The Board extends its deep gratitude to Liz Keith and Rodrigo Camarena, who have served as Co-Interim Executive Directors during this leadership transition. Their dedication, partnership, and steady guidance have been invaluable to the organization.

“It has been an honor to steward Pro Bono Net through this important transition and help shape the organization’s future,” said Liz Keith and Rodrigo Camarena. “We are proud of what the team has accomplished and excited to support Zach as he steps into this role.”

Pro Bono Net also expresses its appreciation to Mark O’Brien, the organization’s co-founder and Executive Director since 2005, for his many years of service and contributions that have forged Pro Bono Net’s enduring impact. 

“Mark’s vision and leadership were foundational to Pro Bono Net’s creation and growth. I’m deeply grateful for his years of dedication and the lasting impact he’s had on our mission,” said Michael Hertz, Co-founder of Pro Bono Net.

Zach joins Pro Bono Net at a pivotal moment, as the organization builds on 25 years of impact and embarks on the next phase of its mission to build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives.

“I am deeply honored to join Pro Bono Net and build on its powerful legacy of innovation, partnership, and community,” said Zach Zarnow. “At a time when the need for accessible justice solutions is greater than ever, I look forward to working with the incredible team and network to advance this vital mission.”

Please join us in welcoming Zach to the Pro Bono Net community.

ABOUT PRO BONO NET

Pro Bono Net is the country’s leading access to justice innovator with a 25-year history of impact. We build digital tools and partnerships that help people navigate the law, access justice, and live more secure lives.

As justice advocates and non-profit technologists, we’re keenly aware that people, values, and experiences shape how technology is used – and who it serves.

Throughout this year, we’ve shared stories of how Pro Bono Net’s programs couple inclusive tech and community partnerships to bring critical legal help to millions.
At the heart of that impact are our supporters and partners, alongside our dedicated team whose expertise and commitment drive our mission.

Today, we want to introduce you to a few of the talented people behind the scenes at Pro Bono Net who understand what’s at stake for the communities and partners we serve, and whose work helps ensure that tech serves as an equalizing force for justice across the US:

  • Sandra Sandoval, Senior Product Manager
    Sandra leads product strategy and partnerships for award-winning programs like Citizenshipworks and Immi that equip immigrants and their advocates with essential digital tools to navigate a complex immigration legal landscape. A 2023 American Legal Technology Award Winner, Sandra’s dedication and personal experiences shine through her work on our Justicia Lab team. 
  • Sam Harden, Senior Innovations Manager
    An attorney and technologist, Sam is passionate about using his skills to help the public get the legal help they need. A leading voice on responsible uses of AI to expand access to justice, Sam collaborates with Pro Bono Net partners nationwide to harness technology to help people understand their rights and make our civil justice system more equitable for all.
  • Ariadne Brazo, Senior Product Manager
    With a background in tech and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Ariadne (she/they) brings expertise in LGBTQ communities, health care access, and labor organizing to lead products like LawHelp, connecting thousands to trusted legal help. Their focus on community-centered design ensures the voices of those served directly shape our programs.
  • Simon Rah, Chief Technology Officer
    An experienced technology leader, project manager, and statistician, Simon drives tech initiatives across Pro Bono Net that solve large-scale legal access challenges and bring resources where they’re needed most. A former educator, Simon also trains and mentors other changemakers on civil justice and immigrant rights tech innovation.

From all of us at Pro Bono Net, thank you for joining us in this vital work. Please consider making a gift today to support our role as an anchor for public, not-for-profit, digital legal solutions that make justice more attainable and equitable for millions.

Last week, the policy paradigm that awaits immigrant communities in 2025 became clearer and more urgent. We know this moment is bringing up a tremendous amount of fear, but we alongside hundreds of our advocate partners across the nation stand ready to protect and defend the rights of immigrants across our country. 

We wanted to let our community know how Pro Bono Net and our Justicia Lab team are preparing for this moment, and share some of our resources that may be helpful for your own networks:

  • We’re making sure that people can more easily find and connect with trusted legal services through Immigration Law Help and the Immigration Advocates Network;
  • We’re working to provide up to date information on the changing legal landscape for immigrants through the Ready to Stay coalition and Immi;
  • We’re working to help immigrants apply for a form of immigration relief and naturalization through our online tool Citizenshipworks;
  • We’re expanding our tools that support immigrant workers through our workplace justice initiative ¡Reclamo! – designed to empower immigrant workers to know their rights, file wage theft claims, and fight back against other forms of labor exploitation.

If you’re interested in supporting our rapid-response work to update these critical legal rights resources and referral tools, which thousands of immigrants and our network of over 200 partners across the US rely on, please reach out or visit our donate page.

And if you know of an organization that supports immigrants and might benefit from these resources, please consider sharing this with them.

Thank you for your support during this time. Together, we can help keep people safe, informed, and supported.

In unity,

Rodrigo, Liz & the Pro Bono Net team

Dear Pro Bono Net Partners and Supporters,

Today’s election results mark a pivotal moment for all who believe in the right of every individual to live safely, securely, free from discrimination, and treated with dignity by powerful institutions. 

We know that policy decisions made at every level of government have real-life consequences for the communities we serve, and that our programs that provide safe, accurate legal information and support will be a lifeline for millions in the coming period. We also know that the expertise of lawyers, advocates and volunteers will be critical to the vulnerable communities we serve in navigating a rapidly changing policy landscape. And we believe that secure, nonprofit digital tools can be an equalizing force for people seeking safety, justice, and opportunity. 

Our team has strategized for the possibilities we now face. Today, we gathered again to discuss the road ahead and reflected on the importance of living our values – of integrity, respect, care, and determination – through that work.

Throughout its 25-year history, Pro Bono Net has used justice, creativity, and transformative collaborations to confront some of our country’s most challenging times. We remain committed to building a more just future for all. Know that we are here with you, and the communities you serve, at each step of the way.

Thank you for your humanity, trust, and belief in our mission.  

In community,

Liz Keith & Rodrigo Camarena
Interim Co-Directors

In the US today, nearly one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing even higher risks. These are staggering numbers, representing countless lives impacted – often silently. As we reflect on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re determined to illuminate this issue and help ensure survivors have access to resources and support to live free from violence. 

Pro Bono Net’s free online legal forms program, LawHelp Interactive (LHI), helps tens of thousands of survivors each year complete an order for protection, an essential step towards obtaining safety and justice. Through LHI, survivors can access and complete this and other vital legal forms online, more easily and accurately, on their own terms and in their own words.

Last year alone, LHI completed more than 68,800 free legal document packages for survivors, including orders for protection. Below are examples of what survivors tell us LHI means to them: 

  • “I was excited and felt stronger [after using LHI]. I hope it works for anyone who wants to be finally free from domestic violence. And don’t have a lot of income.”
  • “This will change my life for the better. Can’t thank you enough.”
  • “Thank you for truly helping others during their time of need, especially when it is to get help and/or protection from someone you loved.” 

LHI also supports hundreds of advocates and volunteers at legal aid programs, courts, and community organizations across the country helping survivors with this process, and to achieve safety.  As one told us, “[LawHelp Interactive] factors into our entire order of protection protocol, or rather our protocol has been built around this service. As an agency, it is often put to use multiple times a day, every week.”

As a justice ally, you know that free, safe, easily accessible help is a lifeline for survivors. Thank you for being a part of our mission, and all that you do. To learn more about domestic violence and who is affected, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.   

Learn more about LHI here: https://lawhelpinteractive.org. If you know of an organization that works with survivors and might benefit from LHI, please reach out to us. 

This Citizenship Day, we honored not only the thousands of newly naturalized citizens but also the countless individuals currently navigating their path to citizenship. Among them are millions of legal permanent residents eager to participate in our democracy and secure a brighter future for their families. Many have spent years overcoming barriers, only to find the naturalization process intimidating, expensive, and out of reach.

At Pro Bono Net, we are committed to bringing free, quality legal help to those who may not know where to start, who to trust, or how to find affordable assistance. Our free, flagship tool, Citizenshipworks.org, makes applying for citizenship safer, simpler, and more affordable.

Over the past decade, we’ve helped more than 60,000 people understand the naturalization process, apply for citizenship, and access legal help through a network of 200 partners across the US. And when USCIS announced sweeping changes to the 20-page long naturalization form earlier this year, our dedicated team accomplished an incredible feat: updating Citizenshipworks to incorporate these changes in just 63 days — across three languages—to ensure we were ready on day one to support current and new applicants building their American dream. 

One of our partners in Austin, Texas described Citizenshipworks as “a service to humanity.” The services we provide to aspiring Americans are only possible with your support, and translate into thousands of people having a voice in our democracy, greater family security, and higher lifetime earnings.

With anti-immigrant rhetoric resurfacing this election season, please consider joining our work supporting individuals on their journey to citizenship. 

Thank you for being part of our mission, and please reach out if you’re interested in getting more involved. It truly makes a difference. 

Last month, Pro Bono Net shared the news that our co-founder and Executive Director, Mark O’Brien, is stepping into a Senior Advisor role as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement after 25 years.

As we celebrate Mark’s extraordinary impact and look toward the future, we want to express our deep appreciation for your support of Pro Bono Net’s work and our leadership during this exciting period of change and opportunity. We are humbled by this opportunity to build on Mark’s legacy and propel our mission forward as we begin the search for our next outstanding leader. 

In a world where access to legal assistance can profoundly shape lives, our talented team remains fully focused on advancing our digital tools and partnerships that thousands of people a day rely on to find essential help. You can read examples of this – and the difference your support makes – in our recent Impact Report. 

We’re also redoubling our commitment to ensuring that technology is an equalizing force for those seeking justice, safety and opportunity. This month, our team participated in the first-ever Google.org Impact Summit alongside 20 other global nonprofits selected to participate in Google.org’s inaugural Gen AI Accelerator. We’re proud that Sandra Sandoval and Sam Harden represented us by showcasing Immpath AI, Justicia Lab’s new tool for newly arrived migrants, while Rodrigo participated in the closing panel, “Six Months and 20 Projects Later – Learnings from the Generative AI Accelerator,” moderated by Afua Bruce. His warmly-received remarks about the competitive advantages that collaborative, nonprofit strategies hold to achieve impact and advance access to justice are available online.

As valued friends and supporters, we’d love to hear how Pro Bono Net can support your efforts to accelerate access to justice as we enter this new chapter. Please reach out to us anytime with your ideas or feedback.

Thank you again for your continued support. We’re excited for the journey ahead. 

With gratitude,
Liz Keith & Rodrigo Camarena
Interim Co-Directors

A quick p.s. from Mark O’Brien:

I hope you will join me in welcoming Liz and Rodrigo into their new Co-Director roles. Twenty-five years ago, Michael Hertz and I started Pro Bono Net with a simple idea about the potential for technology and collaboration to serve as a force multiplier for pro bono legal services delivery.  In the years since then, the focus of Pro Bono Net’s work has broadened –  and its impact deepened – thanks to the skills and vision of a committed staff and of a gifted and diverse leadership team.  As the organization embarks on its next quarter-century of innovation and collaboration, I can’t think of better leaders to carry the work forward than Liz and Rodrigo.  I look forward to continuing to champion their and Pro Bono Net’s work in the months and years ahead.