|
April 14, 2008 | Vol. XI, Issue 29 Center for Governmental Responsibility Fellows
Working in public interest law is difficult: it requires the right work experience and contacts, a resume that shows dedication to working for the public good, and the willingness to make half of what your colleagues at firms will be earning. (But see Katy Debriere’s article on affording your public interest career). But there is some public interest work every lawyer can do: Pro Bono Publico. Pro Bono Publico is derived from the latin meaning "for the public good." Pro bono work is especially important in the legal field, as justice can only truly be served when all members of society have equal access to the law. Pro bono work provides legal services to low income clients and helps maintain a sense of professional responsibility in the legal field. According to a study by the American Bar Association, 40 percent of low to moderate income households experience a legal problem each year; however, legal aid organizations are only able to meet 20 percent of these needs. The American Bar Association recommends lawyers contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono service hours per year. However, Law Students Building a Better Legal Profession, a student-driven grassroots movement seeking workplace reforms in large private law firms, recently reported that most large firms fall short of the ABA’s recommendation. Hopefully UF Law grads will take this responsibility more seriously. While most firms encourage their associates to spend time on pro bono work, and some give billable hour credit for pro bono work, many other firms are not so encouraging. I urge all law students to take this into account when comparing firms in their job search. There are several reasons why law firms should be interested in providing pro bono opportunities for their associates. Other than the obvious desire to address the gap between those who desperately need such services and the limited resources available to meet those needs, pro bono work can lead to positive publicity for law firms and to a better work environment for associates. Several awards for public service are presented each year by various organizations, including the ABA, state bar associations, and state supreme courts. The Law Firm Pro Bono Project, launched in 1993, calls on law firms to devote three to five percent of their billable hours to pro bono work. There have since been over 170 signatories to the challenge, many of whom have consistently met their goals every year. Because of such publicity, firms with pro bono programs enjoy a competitive advantage in hiring new associates and gaining clients, especially when job-seekers attempt to differentiate between firms with similar pros and cons. Pro bono work allows new attorneys to get more immediate hands-on experience and for greater autonomy than on ordinary cases. It also gives attorneys opportunities to take on issues that are important to them, but that they are unable to commit to in their daily practice. Pro bono work is needed in a variety of fields. Whether you’re interested in criminal defense, family law, immigration issues, or tax law, there are opportunities for every lawyer to give back to the community. Students can get a head start on their pro bono work by participating in Career Services’ Pro Bono Project. The project recognizes students’ contribution to the community while raising awareness about our future pro bono obligations. To earn a pro bono certificate, one must complete 35 hours of unpaid/uncredited legal pro bono work during the course of his or her law school career. The hours may be completed for a variety of non-profit organizations, government agencies, or individual pro bono attorneys. Students are rewarded with recognition at graduation and an invitation to the annual Career Services brunch each spring. To find out how large firms in major cities compare, see Law Students Building a Better Legal Profession’s comparison charts at www.betterlegalprofession.org. Statistics on individual law firms across the country can be found at http://www.nalpdirectory.com. You can find out more about pro bono opportunities at http://www.probono.net/aba_oppsguide or http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/directory.html#. Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Law Fellows are funded by the Florida Bar Foundation Home | Email to a friend | Print article | Contact FlaLaw Online |
The Pro’s of Pro Bono