Be honest: what is your initial reaction when you hear the words "pro bono?" If you are like many of us, it is probably "good idea . . . just not for me." If so, don't feel too bad. This reaction is typical of many lawyers, particularly in-house counsel who generally do not practice in the areas most commonly associated with pro bono work such as family law, criminal matters, and immigration. So, are there really opportunities for in-house counsel to become involved in pro bono work? Absolutely!
Law departments and in-house lawyers across the country are recognizing the need to become involved in pro bono activities. Many companies, including Merck & Co., AT&T, General Electric, and First Union, have implemented pro bono policies and/or formed alliances with community organizations, designed to encourage, support and reward pro bono participation by their in-house staff.
Why get involved in pro bono projects? There is no one answer to this question, but consider the following: (a) as lawyers, we have a duty to ensure that all members of our society have access to complete and adequate legal representation, (b) as professionals, we should be concerned about the public image of our profession (see the accompanying announcement for a unique program on this very topic), and (c) volunteer work offers the lawyer a unique opportunity to perform on a level that provides immediate gratification. Also, pro bono work enables the in-house lawyer to become part of both the legal community and the geographic community.
Recognizing the importance of pro bono for in-house, ACCA, with the Pro Bono Institute at Georgetown University Law Center, has formed CorporateProBono.Org (CPBO). CPBO is a national project focused exclusively on identifying and addressing the special needs, circumstances, and concerns of in-house counsel interested in pro bono service. Basically, CPBO is mandated to identify and remove perceived and actual barriers to in-house counsel corporate pro bono. CPBO staff can provide day-to-day technical assistance to in-house lawyers with specific pro bono issues. Through CPBO, potential volunteers can learn about pro bono opportunities in their area, connect with pro bono mentors, and learn about training opportunities. In short, CPBO provides resources to help overcome all of the "yes, buts" and enable the in-house lawyer to take advantage of this unique opportunity to give back to your community. Check out CPBO's web site at www.corporateprobono.org!
The ACCA-Georgia Chapter is committed to the idea that the in-house legal community has an obligation to render public interest service and will support this commitment by (a) making the rendering of public interest service an organizational priority, (b) appointing a pro bono coordinator to facilitate involvement in public interest service, and (c) recognizing outstanding contributions to public interest service.
As a first step in this commitment, we have formed a Pro Bono Committee, chaired by Penny Smith. The Pro Bono Committee will work directly with CPBO to identify pro bono opportunities in Georgia targeted to the unique skills, needs and practice settings of in-house lawyers, and to provide appropriate training and mentoring to in-house volunteers. In fact, we have initiated discussions with CPBO regarding a pilot pro bono program whereby groups of lawyers would team up to address a particular community issue, each contributing his or her unique skills as much as time permits to the overall success of the project. Among other things, this team approach should help eliminate the fear that many of us feel about getting involved in something new and feeling that we are in over our heads!
In short, pro bono opportunities exist that are right for each of us. Whether it is the opportunity to sharpen your advocacy skills by spending time in a courtroom, or to contribute by giving brief advice, completing intake paperwork, or staffing a telephone hotline right from your own desk, pro bono opportunities can be tailored to precisely what you want to do!
I challenge every member of the Georgia Chapter to commit to becoming involved in pro bono in 2002. Believe me, there is a project just waiting for someone with your unique skill set and experiences to step in and save the day.