Access To Legal Services

Most writings on attorneys’ pro bono work focus on how their efforts can benefit others – which is undoubtedly correct. The work performed regularly by volunteer lawyers has been shown to have a huge impact on the “Justice Gap.” Pro bono efforts help to make the legal system accessible to those in need. However, there is another, major upside to this type of volunteering. As with other examples of giving of yourself to help others, volunteer lawyers can benefit just as much as those who are the recipients of that assistance.

As the Director of Pro Bono Activities for the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center for over 20 years, I have mulled over why people donate their time to help others. After all, there is no fame, power, or glory in the work being done. Almost all of the efforts go unrecognized beyond our program, or perhaps, in the lawyer’s own firm. So, I periodically come back to the question of why do people volunteer? Lawyers already have such large responsibilities and demands upon their time, it is amazing that so many make space to help others.

Reasons for volunteering vary, but there are some common threads. First, I will share that the lawyers that I interact with are one of the reasons that I love my job. Pro bono volunteers are doing this work mostly because they simply want to. They are generally just people with a good heart and positive motivations.

So, why do lawyers volunteer? We may provide MCLE credits for a training attended, a thank you note, mentoring and support, encouragement, and maybe an enjoyable recognition event. So, there have to be other reasons.

Here are some thoughts on motivations, with input from my peers in the pro bono world, where I frequently go for inspiration and new ideas:

As the well-regarded author, Anonymous, once wrote, “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” Walking out of court with an order changing custody, granting a divorce, or stopping an eviction can be life-changing for that family. Helping one person or a family does make a difference.

Taking on a matter for an individual can help to change procedures and raise awareness of issues. As Lily Tomlin once said, “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” A lawyer can prevent someone from being deported, change the case law, or inform the bench as to issues that need to be re-examined.

No matter the ultimate outcome, it is the effort that so often counts. Giving someone their day in court is a powerful gift for that client. People in poverty often feel powerless. Having legal assistance goes a long way toward leveling the playing field. With a lawyer, the opportunity for a person to assert their positions and really be heard often happens for the first time.

Some lawyers understand how lucky they have been in their lives and welcome the opportunity to give back. Helping others is a reminder to appreciate one’s own fortunate circumstances. There are many volunteers who have conquered serious obstacles in their personal lives. Often, lawyers have had personal experiences where they have been helped by someone else who has reached out to them in a time of need, and want to pay it forward. As Muhammad Ali noted: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

Other lawyers are inspired by the example set by their family or other role models, often having seen parents volunteering while they were growing up. Or, conversely, they want to be a good role model for their own children.

There are also the more obvious reasons: learning new skills, networking with others, recognition from the court, improving a resume, and fulfilling a firm obligation.

The biggest motivator is probably the gratification of knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life – from the look and handshake of gratitude or, perhaps, that hug at the end of the case from the client!

It is easy to identify pro bono opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. You just need to take that first step. For example, the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center provides a variety of programs, offers training, malpractice insurance coverage, and more. Regardless of your own personal motivation, pro bono work can be the answer to what you are seeking.

“Nobody on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’ ” –Attributed to Paul Tsongas

Arlene Beckerman has been the Director of Pro Bono Activities for the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center since 1999. In this position, she leads the program’s pro bono efforts, and seeks to establish rewarding opportunities for the participating lawyers while benefitting those in need.