Thomson Reuters Legal Solutions Blog
by Bernadette Bulacan
March 24, 2016
“Cherry blossoms were budding along the National Mall in Washington DC, and just a few blocks away, so were ideas about developing and maintaining world-class corporate pro bono programs. Once the exclusive domain of law firms, more corporate legal departments are developing their own programs to build their teams, stretch their attorneys and deploy the unique skill sets of the legal department for the community good. Corporate legal departments, large and small, gathered at the 2016 Pro Bono Institute Conference the week of March 21st to discuss best practices in managing a pro bono program and to celebrate the good work and volunteer hours contributed in the pursuit of justice and the representation of those in need. Some department pro bono programs were in their infancy, with representatives on the cusp of launching programs. While other departments, with more established programs, discussed how to increase the impact of existing programs, expand globally and revitalize engagement across the department. All in attendance celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Corporate Pro Bono Challenge, an initiative that allows legal departments to identify, benchmark and communicate their support for pro bono services. During the conference, energy and discussion revolved around [a number of] topics[.]”