As Counsel to the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service and Director of the ABA Center for Pro Bono, Cheryl Zalenski supports the ABA’s efforts to encourage and grow pro bono activity among all segments of the legal profession. Along with policy initiatives, the Committee actively engages in outreach around pro bono development and support and is the primary sponsor of the annual ABA Pro Bono Publico Awards and of ABA Free Legal Answers, a virtual legal clinic. The Committee co-sponsors the annual Equal Justice Conference with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. In her capacity, Ms. Zalenski has authored numerous articles on pro bono engagement and is a regular speaker on pro bono policy and management.

Ms. Zalenski joined the American Bar Association in 1999. Previously, she was Managing Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinator at Legal Services Organization of Southcentral Michigan in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1993 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bradley University. Ms. Zalenski holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and a licensed attorney in Michigan and Illinois as well as a member of the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals.