F E A T U R E A R T I C L E b y: S t e v e C l i n e & T o r i S i m m o n s – H i l l W a r d H e n d e r s o n continued from page 28
service work and pro bono services. Ultimately, this comes down to developing an understanding of the organization that you are working with, the population that it serves, and asking the right questions to ascertain the organization’ s potential need for legal services.
For example, if you regularly volunteer at a food distribution pantry( or any other non-profit organization), you may want to ask the appropriate representative of the organization if they are in need of any legal services. This could involve any number of things, such as updating and preparing liability waivers and bylaws, reviewing insurance policies or other contracts, providing employment advice, or even intellectual property issues.
Attorneys have the unique ability to better serve these organizations by providing both traditional“ volunteer” services, as well as pro bono legal services. There is no“ one-size-fits-all” approach to discussing potential pro bono opportunities with a charitable organization, and it is important to remember that the organization may not always know exactly what type of legal services it needs. That is why attorneys should develop their own understanding as to the organizational goals of the various non-profits or charitable groups that they work with and keep an open mind with respect to how their expertise in a particular area of the law may further that purpose.
Further, the term“ pro bono legal services” is not limited to full term representation. It also includes, without limitation: service as or on behalf of the guardian ad litem; community legal education to eligible client groups; participating in client intake and conducting interviews of eligible clients; participating in pro se clinics; mentoring or assisting other attorneys in pro bono matters; and presenting legal seminars designed to train other attorneys to handle pro bono cases. See Amended and Restated Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Plan, dated Sept. 1, 2012. No matter what type of law you practice, your skills enable you to advocate and serve both individuals and organizations in a pro bono capacity— you do not have to be a family law, immigration, or dependency lawyer to tackle a pro bono case.
Finally, volunteer events are a great way to meet and interact with individuals who may qualify for, and be in need of, pro bono services. Going back to the food pantry example, while serving food and engaging with the community, you may find that someone has a legal problem you can help with, so be sure to mention that you are an attorney. In addition to reflecting well on the legal profession as a whole, it may open the door for you to provide pro bono services.
We all took an oath not reject the“ cause of the defenseless and oppressed” and the Florida Bar sets an aspirational goal that each attorney provide at least 20 hours of pro bono legal services to the poor. See Fla. Bar R. 4-6.1. Find an organization that fits you and seek out ways to engage in meaningful
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