In these pandemic days, many Americans have taken economic hits that have only led to further legal problems. But those less fortunate are often left to face their legal problems alone because they can’t afford legal counsel.
I strongly suspect that, for most readers of this post, the economic hit you’ve felt has been minimal in comparison. If you think you know where I’m going with this—you’re right.
The time is ripe to pursue pro bono work if you’re not already doing it.
Pro Bono Work Is Our Social Responsibility
Lawyers have a special responsibility to give back. Why?
Our society provides us with an exclusive license to do what we do. What we do provides countless opportunities to make a respectable and, for many, a lucrative living.
In return, we ought to give back. Indeed, the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct asks that we render at least 50 hours of pro bono service annually.
It Also Does a World of Good for Our Clients
People need our help. But resolving legal issues isn’t the only outcome of our service. Take for instance this message I received from a pro bono client.
I want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate you helping with my case for free at a time that I needed the most. You have saved me my job and I’m very, very thankful for you. I feel very lucky that I have found you to help me. I know for sure that I would not still have my job right now. Anyway, thank you million times for your help and I wish you all the health and wellness. I hope to not run into this kind of situation again but if I do, I know just who to call now. Thanks again.
The work I did for my client was not that complicated or time-consuming. But, as you can see, it made a world of difference in their life.
Plus, Pro Bono Makes You Feel Good
The message I received had another benefit: It made me feel good. How often do you receive emails about your work that made you feel good? I’d venture to guess not frequently.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had many nights of restless sleep during the past year. The night I received that email was not one of them.
Do Good & Feel Good by Pursuing Pro Bono Work
So many things we used to do to feel good are not an option these days. Why not find a new way to feel good by diving into pro bono work? Your service will no doubt make your client feel good, but the feeling will be
