Successful lawyers don’t limit their skills and expertise to the office. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to lend their legal services to the community and passion-driven opportunities. Also known as pro bono worklawyers can take on cases at no cost to the client.
Why would a lawyer take on such a case with no pay? Beyond serving the greater good, pro bono work is an opportunity for lawyers to diversify their experience and improve their skill set. A well-rounded lawyer can better serve their clients by having an understanding of the different types of cases and walks of life they come from.
Finding time for pro bono cases can be challenging, but the reward is almost always great. Continue reading to learn why pro bono work is important.
American Bar Association Rules for Pro Bono Cases
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), choosing to practice law means accepting the responsibility to promote justice and make it equally accessible to all people. Both working lawyers and prospective students should aspire to provide legal services without the expectation of a fee for the public good. The term “pro bono” comes from the Latin pro bono publico, which means “for the public good.”
The ABA outlines the parameters of pro bono for practicing lawyers in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Model Rule 61 indicates that lawyers should aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono public legal services per year. These services should be provided to people with limited means or to nonprofit organizations that serve those with low resources.
Here are 5 reasons lawyers should do pro bono work:
1. Diversifying Experience
Often, pro bono work allows lawyers to practice in an area of law that isn’t their primary focus. Firms often receive lists of cases that