The last week of October is National Pro Bono Week, and state bar associations across the United States are joyously engaging in pro bono work to observe the theme. [1] The Rules of Professional Conduct by the ABA encourages lawyers to proactively engage in pro bono work, although this isn’t the only reason that lawyers should seek to do pro bono work [2].
A lawyer should be mindful of deficiencies in the administration of justice and of the fact that the poor, and sometimes persons who are not poor, cannot afford adequate legal assistance. Therefore, all lawyers should devote professional time and resources and use civic influence to ensure equal access to our system of justice for all those who because of economic or social barriers cannot afford or secure adequate legal counsel.
-Model Rules of Professional Conduct
In an article by The Legal Intelligencer, [1] Attorney Charles Eppolito III mentioned several reasons why lawyers, especially young ones, should be doing some form of pro bono. He also advised that lawyers who are strapped for time and cannot engage in pro bono themselves could possibly contribute financially to a legal pro bono organization or cause.
As is the case with pro bono work, lawyers may engage in practice areas that are different from the ones that their regular work entails. This allows them the space to step back and analyze cases from new perspectives, not hindered by their areas of specialization, and may even help them master more than one practice area.
One of the unsung benefits of pro bono work is its contribution to mental well-being, seeing as so many lawyers can and do experience depression. [3] Apart from the feel-good factor, and committing to the social responsibility that lawyers adhere to, working pro bono is also an excellent way to network with other lawyers. The connections that lawyers create from pro bono work goes deeper than a regular work connection. People rallying over the same moral and social causes stick together and see the world through a clearer lens. When they do successfully finish a pro bono case there’s nothing like the self-satisfaction it brings, which is why senior attorneys like Eppolito strongly encourage it.
Legal pro bono is more than just feeling good, it’s a great way to get out of the daily slump, engage in a new practice area, and make meaningful friendships and connections.
Links
- https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2018/09/26/pro-bono-work-helping-you-gain-skills-while-doing-the-right-thing/
- https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_preamble_scope.html
- https://legaleasesolutions.com/lawstoreblog/lawyers-with-depression/
