Pro bono legal may be wonderful networking when you begin looking for work. Pro bono counsel can on a legal case in government applications or on appeal.

1. FEATURE www.lawcrossing.com 1. 800.973.1177
Should You Be Bothered With Pro Bono Work?
[By Judith Earley]
According to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, pro bono is a phrase derived from Latin meaning “for the good.” The
complete phrase is pro bono publico, “for the public good.” It is used to designate legal or other professional work undertaken
voluntarily and without payment, as a public service. In some cases, pro bono counsel may assist an individual or group on a
legal case in filing government applications or petitions or on appeal. If the case is won, occasionally the judge may determine
that the loser should compensate the pro bono counsel.
It’s never too early to think about performing civil rights, civil liberties or public rights, or • You could lose. Just imagine your
pro bono work. It can be both the most to charitable, religious, civic, community, very first legal undertaking, and then
challenging and rewarding work you will ever governmental or educational organizations in imagine the judge saying no. It may not
do as an attorney. Many lawyers will tell you matters in furtherance of their organizational be because of anything you did, but it is
that the project they enjoyed most was one purposes, where the payment of standard still disappointing when things do not
that they did pro bono. Many law students legal fees would significantly deplete the work out for your client.
will tell you that performing pro bono work organization’s economic resources or would • Cases that involve mistreated children,
reminds them that they chose law in the first be otherwise inappropriate. This, too, is pro battered women, civil rights violations,
place in order to help people. bono work. or any type of courtroom litigation can
take their toll and leave you emotionally
Here are some reasons why you absolutely drained by the time you return to
Pro bono legal work can build a bridge of
should consider doing pro bono work. school.
understanding of the real world of law with
issues you are studying in class. Additionally,
• Classroom work is one thing, but when
the “hands on” skills you develop in All in all, pro bono work is a unique
you take on a pro bono project you will
interviewing and counseling clients, drafting opportunity to grow and mature that is
learn quick, fast, and in a hurry just
pleadings, negotiating deals, or appearing in unsurpassed by anything you can learn in
what it is like to make life-altering
court can add to the marketable skills that the classroom. It is hands-on experience
decisions for a client.
you will need as a practicing attorney. Pro of case management from start to finish:
• You have a chance to practice the
bono legal work can also help you narrow negotiating, making decisions, and
fundamental skills of a successful
down the areas of practice you would like to communicating with a real-life, flesh and
attorney; these are effective
work in when you graduate. And finally, the blood client. It is the reality of why you went
communication with your client,
professionals you meet while performing pro to law school. Experience it now.
strategic decision-making, and legal
bono legal work may turn out to be wonderful
writing.
networking contacts when you begin looking
• If you are working a summer internship,
for work.
it is an opportunity to witness and ON THE NET
evaluate the firm’s commitment to pro
The Pro Bono Institute defines pro bono
bono service. This can help you decide Pro Bono Guide
work as work for which you, as a student,
whether or not you want to consider it www.law.harvard.edu/students/opia/docs/
are not compensated either with pay or
as a potential permanent home. guide-pro-bono.pdf#search=%22law%20stud
with academic credit. Case in point: if you
• You have a chance to really make a ents%20and%20pro%20bono%22
assist attorneys who deliver legal services
difference. It would be a shame if you
to persons of limited means or to charitable,
passed it up. Indiana University School of Law Pro Bono
religious, civic, community, governmental
Program
and educational organizations in matters And now, here are some reasons why you http://indylaw.indiana.edu/career/overview.
which are designed primarily to address the probably should pass on doing pro bono htm
needs of persons of limited means, that is work.
pro bono work.
Pro Bono Institute at Georgetown University
• Time passes very quickly for a summer Law Center
Other qualifying examples, supplying intern, and you might not be around www.probonoinst.org
legal assistance to individuals, groups, or to finish up the work or witness the
organizations seeking to secure or protect resolution of your case.
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