" In recent years, an intimate partner killed approximately 33% of female murder victims and 4% of male murder victims. "
-Department of Justice
Legal Resource Network
Benefits To Law FirmsMore and more law firms are creating pro bono programs and partnering with outside agencies. The law firms are including pro bono as an item of inquiry in their commercial requests for proposals, and find that this trend makes them more attractive to prospective clients. As ranked by: American Lawyer.com
1. Jenner & Block Sample Law Firm Pro Bono Policy (from the New York State Bar Association)
SkillsYour employees can learn, develop, and enhance their ability to research, interpret statutes, draft legal documents, write with greater clarity and precision, analyze problems, interview, diagnose client problems, negotiate, recognize ethical issues, manage time and cases, courtroom advocacy, thus making them more productive employees.
RecruitingLaw firms compete for the most talented attorneys graduating law school. With law schools emphasizing pro bono and public interest more than ever, the opportunity to participate in meaningful pro bono work can be a powerful incentive to join your firm.
DevelopmentAttorneys receive substantive training, mentoring, and a series of practical skill trainings in areas such as witness examination, negotiation, and interviewing. Even pro bono work outside of their normal practice area offers your attorneys outstanding professional development. Volunteers get full responsibility for their pro bono case, including all client interviews, court appearances, and settlement negotiations. The legal skills your attorneys will develop (listed at the top of the page) will make them more confident, well-rounded attorneys.
Advice and FeedbackSenior partner's schedules do not always allow time to mentor, advise, and give feedback to new associates that is so critical to professional growth. Legal Resource Network attorneys will receive advice and feedback from an experienced matrimonial attorney, and will be part of a network of other volunteer attorneys who assist each other through our listserv.
RetentionThe cost of replacing an attorney- including transitioning, screening, hiring, training, and possibly replacing lost clients- can easily exceed that attorney's annual salary. Firms with strong pro bono programs report greater retention because meaningful pro bono helps boost morale, quality of life, and loyalty to the firm. Domestic violence is a personally meaningful issue for many attorneys, and we urge you to encourage your associates to make a positive difference in this area by volunteering with the LRN. |
