5 Reasons for Lawyers to Take Pro Bono Cases

Pro Bono cases are cases that are taken by lawyers without charging legal fees. Generally, these cases involve clients of limited means. Although an attorney is not paid for pro bono work, there may be significant advantages to taking on this type of work. Here is a list of five reasons why taking on pro bono work is a good idea.

New Skills

Taking on pro bono work allows a lawyer to work on a case that might be out of their range of experience. This allows an attorney, especially one just starting out, to broaden their range of experience and add to their skill set. Working on a case that is different from what you do on a daily basis can also help reinvigorate your career. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to expand your horizons and develop confidence in a new area of expertise.

Courtroom Experience

Most cases done pro bono are going to involve getting into the courtroom. This can provide valuable courtroom experience and polish courtroom skills. It also allows exposure to judges and can enhance your professional contacts and relationships. Being in the courtroom puts you in touch with the real world criminal justice system and increases your visibility. This may even lead to new referrals down the road.

Community Involvement

Pro bono work is an excellent way to engage in your community. Attorneys who have an interest in becoming community leaders should particularly consider pro bono work. These types of cases will put you more closely in touch with the concerns and problems in your community. This kind of community involvement is a great resume booster as well.

Experience

Pro bono work can be a big boost to new lawyers entering the work force for the first time as well as those looking to reenter after an absence. Pro bono cases allow you to develop and prove your abilities in real cases and allow you to add these experiences to your resume. It is also an excellent way to broaden your horizons and get first-hand experience in different types of law, allowing you to make more informed career choices. At the other end of the spectrum, pro bono work allows retired lawyers the ability to stay active by offering their extensive legal experience to those in need.

Helping People

Pro bono work brings desperately needed legal help to those with limited means. It is a good feeling to know that you are helping balance the scales of justice by providing quality legal services to those that would otherwise not have access to them. Not only does pro bono work help those in need, it benefits society as a whole.

Pro bono work is a great way to help indigent clients receive quality legal representation. Although this benefits the client greatly, it is also beneficial to the lawyers themselves. Taking on pro bono cases can enhance your career, your skill set, and your professional network all while contributing to the greater good.