After working on her very first pro bono asylum case as a law firm associate, Sarah Nolan, pro bono counsel, Brooklyn Defender Services, knew that she wanted to do more pro bono and dedicate her career to immigration work.
Many lawyers agree that doing pro bono “feels good.” This week, we hear from Michael Bergmann, executive director, Public Interest Law Initiative, as he explains how doing pro bono can be a rewarding experience for lawyers.
Michael Howson, assistant general counsel, AOL Inc.**, explains how pro bono work creates a sense of balance between his day-to-day corporate responsibilities and his desire to make an immediate impact in his community.
** denotes a Corporate Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
Do you remember what inspired you to become an attorney? This week, we hear from Larry Bennett, patent attorney, Intel Corporation**, as he describes how using various practice skills on pro bono cases remind him of why he decided to practice law.
** denotes a Corporate Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
We at The PBEye are always excited to hear why our friends are doing pro bono. This week, we hear from Patricia Mugavero, vice president and assistant general counsel, JPMorgan Chase & Co., as she shares her reasons for doing pro bono.
PBI’s 2015 Annual Conference, held March 4-6 at the Capital Hilton, welcomed more than 300 professionals from law firms, legal departments, and public interest organizations from around the world.
Preceding a day full of educational sessions and networking opportunities, attendees gathered to hear from this year’s Opening Plenary guest speakers: U.S. Solicitor General Donald B. Verilli and FSG Co-founder and Managing Director Mark Kramer. Verilli emphasized the ethical obligation and professional incentives lawyers have to do pro bono, while Kramer discussed the benefits of using the collective impact model to create better client outcomes. Both guests provided examples of how effectively using pro bono skills, both individually and collectively, can make a significant impact in the communities where we live and work.
View Verrilli and Kramer’s full remarks below.
Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? Pro bono is a great start. This week, we hear from Regina Hopkins, assistant director for community economic development, DC Bar, as she explains why pro bono plays an important role in enhancing our communities.
Not only is pro bono the “right thing to do”, it also gives corporations and organizations an opportunity to represent the values of their lawyers and non-lawyers. This week, we hear from Bukola Aina, counsel, IP Litigation, Verizon Communications, Inc. **, as she explains why pro bono is beneficial to all lawyers.
** denotes Corporate Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
Lawyers have unique skills that can be very beneficial to pro bono clients. This week, we hear from David March, senior counsel at Target Corporation** as he explains why doing pro bono is important to him both personally and professionally.
** denotes Corporate Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
Michael Silverman, executive director of Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, explains why partnerships with law firms and corporate legal departments are extremely valuable to his organization’s pro bono efforts.
