One reason that an attorney may be hesitant to engage in pro bono legal service is a lack of familiarity with a new area of law or a new client population. To address this barrier, the PBRC provides trainings and resources to help a potential volunteer build both competence and confidence.
Trainings and resources may include CLE opportunities, webinars, current issue-related news, frequently asked questions or static print or video information. Additional resources on effective pro bono service, such as cultural competency and client counseling, are being developed.
Pro bono work is important because there are so many unmet legal needs in our state today, and we as lawyers have the specialized skills to address those needs. Everyone deserves a good attorney no matter their economic status; pro bono service ensures that this balance is created. Opportunities abound for our helping with the unmet legal needs in our state, whether in the urban, suburban or rural areas – and especially in response to disasters like Hurricane Matthew. After spending most of the week working on business-to-business issues, pro bono work reminds us that there is a personal element to our work.
LeeAnne Quattrucci, Owner, LeeAnne Quattrucci, PA
Micah Huggins, Owner, Micah Huggins Law
Mike McIntyre, Partner, Poyner Spruill LLP
Neil Bagchi, Owner, Bagchi Law, PLLC