Advancing Access to Justice Through Pro Bono Leadership
For the past seven years, Kurt M. Denk has worked at the City Bar Justice Center, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to justice by providing high-quality, free legal services to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. As Executive Director for the past four years, Kurt oversees an organization that leverages the power of pro bono attorney volunteers to provide critical assistance that helps the Justice Center deliver services benefiting more than 25,000 New Yorkers in need each year. While this pro bono model brings incredible additional resources, it also presents unique challenges in sustaining and growing impact.
Navigating Growth and Challenges
Kurt's journey with the City Bar Justice Center began in a pro bono liaison role before he stepped into executive leadership. Under his guidance, the organization has adapted and expanded its programs—particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—ensuring that essential legal services remained accessible during a time of heightened need.
Like many nonprofit leaders, Kurt faces the ongoing challenge of securing resources to sustain and grow the organization’s mission. Fundraising, strategic messaging, and program development require constant focus, and Kurt is determined to position the City Bar Justice Center for long-term success.
"Framing our work and getting our message out in a way that will attract additional financial support on top of pro bono support, all while remaining true to our client services mission," is key, Kurt shares. "I think given several years of intensive focus on that, we will meet with success.”
The CALO Forum: A Trusted Space for Growth
For Kurt, CALO has provided an invaluable space for leadership development and support.
"Leading an organization can be quite solitary, and leading a nonprofit has its own unique challenges," he explains. "My CALO Forum has been a place of trust, frank exchange, idea generation, and personal and professional support. I truly believe it’s helped me grow as a leader, and as a person."
As he continues to lead the City Bar Justice Center with vision and determination, Kurt remains grateful for the insights and camaraderie he has found within CALO.
Kurt’s journey is a testament to the power of peer support, resilience, and the impact of pro bono legal services in advancing justice.
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