If you are an attorney, the contents of this page are for you. If you are a community leader or scientist seeking pro bono legal support, please click here.
Thriving Earth Exchange helps lawyers, scientists, and other professionals work with community leaders on community science projects. These projects advance community priorities using science. Every community science project begins with community voice, is guided by community knowledges, and ends in community impact. Every project is a collaborative engagement, managed by a well-prepared project manager trained by Thriving Earth Exchange staff.
Pro bono attorneys are invited to join project teams to advise on pre-conflict legal matters or engage in projects where legal action is imminent or ongoing. Through Thriving Earth Exchange, you can join locally impactful collaborations tackling any of the following and more:
- risk from flooding or other natural hazards
- environmental contamination (air, water, soil)
- climate preparedness and resilience
- public health
- environmental (in)justice
- legislative or policy action
Thriving Earth Exchange is pleased to partner with the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) to welcome and support pro bono attorneys joining community science projects.
To be contacted about pro bono legal opportunities with Thriving Earth Exchange projects, click here to access the Thriving Earth Exchange portal on the SEER website and sign up.
Questions? Email us at Thriving Earth Exchange or [email protected].
What it looks like to engage with Thriving Earth Exchange:
Pro bono attorneys engaging on Thriving Earth Exchange projects will join project teams made up of community leaders, scientists, and a project manager (a Thriving Earth Exchange Community Science Fellow.) After being connected to the team, the project manager will facilitate a meeting to share introductions and update the project plan to reflect your engagement.
Thriving Earth Exchange projects typically last 6-18 months. Engagement beyond that period is welcomed at the discretion of those involved in the project.
In addition to the project manager, every project is supported by Thriving Earth Exchange staff in the form of resources, connections, and network building. All attorneys engaging on Thriving Earth Exchange projects will receive additional support from American Bar Association staff.
Finally, as with all participants in Thriving Earth Exchange projects, we appreciate feedback and information about lessons learned at any time.
Participation is voluntary and the American Bar Association does not provide any insurance coverage to project participants