Access to Legal Services Companies Can Make Pro Bono Work for Them by Jennifer Fulmer There is no right to counsel in civil cases, except in very limit-ed circumstances. Meanwhile many low-income individuals cannot afford to consult with an attorney for their essential legal needs. Legal aid organi-zations and other qualified legal service providers (QLSP) work to meet these needs, but the demand is too great for them to do it alone. We need help from the private bar. Every lawyer, regardless of professional prominence or professional work load, has a personal responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay, and personal involvement in the problems of the disadvantaged can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the life of a lawyer. Above is an excerpt from the first comment to Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service. And it is my favorite comment. In my mind, I hear Project Runway ’s Tim Gunn challenging us to “make it work.” In Northern Virginia, many corporate legal departments are doing just that. They are making pro bono work by engaging in a spectrum of pro bono opportunities ranging from on -site clinics, where clients receive free legal advice and referrals, to in-court rep-resentation. These pro bono programs often allow lawyers to develop and en-hance interviewing and litigation skills while sometimes experiencing a more personal form of client interaction. At one clinic a lawyer commented: “I have www.vsb.org never received a hug from my corporate client.” Pro bono programs also provide opportuni-ties for teamwork and collaboration within an in-house legal department. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Legal Department with Justice William C Mims The wills, uncontested divorce and bankrupt-protective order program, “Attorney of cy clinics hosted by the Day,” has seen partnerships be-Verizon, Cisco Systems, Inc., Capital tween McGuire Woods and Verizon, One, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Hunton Andrews Kurth and Exxon (HPE), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Mobil. Transurban, Hilton, HPE, Hogan Corporation (Freddie Mac) and Hilton Lovells, Miles & Stockbridge P.C. are the could not be accomplished without the founding partners for our Veterans Law herculean efforts of legal secretaries, Pro Bono Project that helps veterans paralegals, and administrative staff. apply for Discharge Upgrades. These colleagues provide essential Professional associations, such support services by scheduling clin-as Corporate Pro Bono and the ics, checking clients in, helping clients Association of Corporate Counsel, have maneuver corporate security, coordi-provided additional support to our nating interviews, interpreting, drafting corporate pro bono programs, particu-documents, and notarizing documents. larly with recruitment efforts. They host Experienced volunteers assist with train-pro bono fairs and advertise clinics for ing by pairing with new volunteers. their members. They also often apply for Stepping outside of a lawyer’s area the CLE credits that are offered with our of expertise can be daunting. At LSNV, trainings. we provide training, support and men-Lastly, and most importantly, toring for all of our pro bono opportuni-the pro bono projects with corporate ties. A substantive law expert is present counsel create a greatly enhanced client at each clinic to answer questions and is experience for our often underserved available for consultation on extended clients. Nice facilities, a tasty breakfast representation matters. or lunch, and a team of professionals Litigation cases, however, may create an atmosphere that many legal produce mixed feelings. For some they aids cannot afford. One wills client are an exciting, welcome opportunity; walked into the corporate conference for others they add an additional level room where two attorneys, one lead and of uncertainty. Partnering with outside one shadow, a paralegal and a variety of legal counsel is a great way to provide further support for those interested in, but hesitant to litigate. Our pro bono Pro Bono continued on page 52 Vol. 68 | April 2020 | VIRGINIA LAWYER 45