Preparing a Pennsylvania Pardon Application

March 25, 2026 | Philadelphia | Duane Morris LLP

About the Program

In collaboration with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) of Uplift Solutions and Comcast, Duane Morris’ Pro Bono team, along with Comcast’s Michael Donnini and Amy Sutter, hosted the clinic “Preparing a Pennsylvania Pardon Application” at the Duane Morris Philadelphia office. Jacqueline (Jackie) Newsome and Moriah Daniels from PLSE of Uplift Solutions led the training, giving an overview of their organization, why this project matters, the pardon process in Pennsylvania, and guided attendees through the pardon application process with their clients. We always enjoy partnering with PLSE of Uplift Solutions and Comcast and were happy to bring these worlds together, supporting and giving back to the Philadelphia community through this incredible event. Duane Morris’ Valentine Brown, Katharyn Voit and Pro Bono Manager Lane Tita were in attendance.

Hosts

About the Duane Morris Pro Bono Program

At Duane Morris, we know the justice gap is real. According to the Legal Services Corporation, more than 86 percent of civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans receive inadequate or no legal assistance. Our Pro Bono Program strives to help decrease this justice gap in the communities where we work and live. While our pro bono work is just one drop in the larger social justice ecosystem, we aim to have ripple effects across our communities. Our attorneys assist in a multitude of ways. We leverage our attorneys’ experience and talents providing direct representation to under-resourced and marginalized clients facing eviction, denial of benefits, unjust convictions, immigration and heirs’ property issues, to name only a few. We encourage and support all Duane Morris attorneys and staff in pursuing pro bono service that resonates with their practice and passions. A dedicated pro bono team identifies appropriate matters, provides relevant training/mentorship and manages more than 500 new cases and more than 30,000 hours of pro bono service annually.

About Comcast’s Pro Bono Program

Comcast’s Pro Bono Program reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility. Formalized in 2016, the program connects attorneys and legal professionals across Comcast’s law departments with meaningful, skills based pro bono opportunities that serve individuals and communities of limited means and support nonprofit and public interest organizations. Through structured partnerships, legal clinics and direct client representations, Comcast volunteers apply their professional experience to help strengthen the law, the legal system and the communities in which the company operates. The program is actively supported by company leadership and a Pro Bono committee, and fosters broad participation across teams and roles. Comcast’s sustained and innovative approach to pro bono service has been consistently recognized externally for its positive impact and commitment to expanding access to legal services.

About PLSE of Uplift Solutions

PLSE and Uplift Solutions announced their new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the pathway from criminal record clearing to meaningful employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across Philadelphia. This collaboration brings together PLSE’s nationally recognized leadership in providing free legal services for record clearing with Uplift Solutions, a mission-driven nonprofit committed to empowering justice-involved individuals and at-risk youth through holistic, trauma-informed support. By providing access to workforce training, life skills and wraparound services, Uplift creates real pathways to long-term success. Beyond direct service, the organization actively advocates for systemic reforms that reduce recidivism and build stronger, more equitable communities.