5 Tips for Doing Pro Bono as a New Lawyer

By: Hailey Teton, Associate, Mountain View

When I graduated from law school, I knew that I wanted to get involved in pro bono work to try to do my part to minimize the justice gap, as many people lack meaningful access to lawyers. Throughout law school, including my internships in federal and state courts, I consistently noticed how common of an experience it is for regular folks to feel the real consequences of the justice gap. In particular, low-income Americans often cannot afford an attorney, and thus they are shut out of the courts before even given a chance to present their legal issues. Many people lack the resources to effectively navigate the complicated legal issues associated with home foreclosures, evictions and restraining orders, just to name a few recurring issues.

While as a young lawyer it can feel intimidating to provide services directly to clients in need, the mutually beneficial relationship in pro bono work more than makes up for this initial fear. New lawyers gain valuable skills, and those in need gain valuable legal representation and advice. It’s a win-win!

Involving yourself in pro bono at the beginning of your career establishes a pattern of giving back to those in need in your community. It also provides an opportunity to expand your skill set in ways your regular practice might fall short. When participating in pro bono work as a junior lawyer, it’s helpful to keep these 5 tips in mind.

Bring a friend: Many pro bono programs and services match up two or more attorneys to help provide clients with services. This approach is not only a great way to collaborate with other lawyers and brainstorm creative ideas and provide thorough legal advice, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet others in the legal profession. Additionally, pro bono service providers are always looking for more volunteers; so be sure to grab a law school classmate or colleague, and bring him or her along with you.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Program supervisors and more experienced attorneys working in pro bono programs are always there to help and answer whatever questions may come up. These supervisors and attorneys are often experts in the field. Learning to ask the right questions is a worthwhile experience for you as an advocate, and helps program supervisors improve the services they provide clients.
Take the time to reflect: If you ever feel like you’re too busy to fit pro bono work into your otherwise hectic schedule, take a moment to reflect: Legal professionals have skills that others do not, and even a small amount of your time can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Don’t forget the warm feeling you get when you know you’ve used your skills as a lawyer to help someone in need.
Spread the news: When you have a positive experience working with a client or an organization, make sure you spread the news! Tell other attorneys and legal professionals at your law firm, share with your alumni association, or offer to write an article for the organization with which you worked. Many lawyers get involved with pro bono work once they’ve heard about another lawyer’s great experience with that group or service.
Keep in touch: Consider returning to the organization or program for which you volunteered. If you have multiple opportunities to help at the same places, your ability and qualifications to effectively engage in that type of legal work will continue to improve. Who knows, you may even be inspired to become an advocate for those pro bono causes!

Hailey Teton, a UC Hastings College of the Law alum, is an associate in the Litigation practice group at Fenwick & West LLP. She focuses her practice on a broad variety of litigation matters to support clients in the high technology and life sciences industries. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Hailey has been involved with social justice organizations for over 10 years. She was the Senior Managing Editor of the Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal, and is interested in improving access to education for low-income and minority students. She currently volunteers through the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Program, representing a pro se litigant in connection with his appeal. She enjoys living and working in the Bay Area legal community, as its members are truly dedicated to improving the community around them through pro bono legal services and support.