Don’t hate me, I know us associates have enough on our plates. An advantage of working at larger corporate firms is their vast web of connections with fantastic pro bono organizations. Depending on the firm, associates can work on matters ranging from estate planning to death row appeals. I am here to tell you why you should take time out of your already packed schedule to do some pro bono:
· It is the right thing to do. Very few people are able to attain the degree and skills that you have as an attorney. Because of our legal training, we are able to think differently and spot potential issues in a way that most cannot. Most firms are aware of the time constraints placed on associates and have ample pro bono opportunities available that are not time intensive. Even thirty minutes from a junior associate can make a huge difference in the lives of the underserved. For example, drafting a will for a client allows them to take care of friends or non-blood family members who would otherwise be forgotten under most states’ default probate rules. Not to worry, law firms and their partner organizations provide associates with helpful forms and guides to use on their pro bono cases. You do not need to be a hotshot T&E lawyer to make this difference.
· You will become a better lawyer. At most corporate firms, you are expected to specialize. Depending on the firm, practice areas could be as general as either a corporate or litigation associate. Your grouping could be further broken down into M&A, securities, etc. While this system will allow for the opportunity to become an expert in your field, associates can miss out on exposure to the law from a bird’s eye view. For the most part, any lawyer at a firm can work on the pro bono matter of their choice. For example, a litigator could help a client form an LLC, a task that is typically reserved for their corporate counterparts. Further, attorneys of all levels can take on pro bono matters (most of the time with a supervising partner). This means that junior associates will get to serve as the point person to a pro bono client. Such opportunities allow for development of an associate’s interpersonal and client management skills, which are huge for long term career success as an attorney.
· Networking. As I mentioned above, most pro bono matters are staffed with at least an associate and a supervising partner. A pro bono matter is a chance to meet and get acquainted with different partners at your firm. It never hurts to have friends in high places!
· Pro Bono work is usually billable. If you have not already heard, a lot of large firms have billable hours requirements. This typically means that to receive an end of year bonus, associates need to have billed approximately 2,000 hours that billable year. Most firms allow 100 of those hours to be spent on bro bono work. Because you are often dealing with an individual and not a corporation, pro bono work tends to be less stressful. Therefore, pro bono is a great way to reduce anxiety and log some billable credit!
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