By: Ryan McRobert, Associate, Seattle
Throughout our legal communities we tend to focus on our pro bono activities and those of our peers locally and nationally. Overall, however, as the world becomes smaller and embraces its respective holidays and New Year celebrations, let’s take a brief minute to reflect on the pro bono work being performed worldwide.
A comprehensive study of international pro bono contributions was recently completed by the Thomas Reuters Foundation, performing comprehensive research of 103 firms in 69 countries regarding the structure of pro bono practices and respective lawyer contributions. This broad study provided a number of insights on the international pro bono picture, including:
Of the responding firms, an average of 43 hours of pro bono work was performed by each lawyer over the previous 12-month period.
The value of pro bono contributions of those surveyed averaged $11,000 per lawyer.
The greatest hourly contributions were performed for registered charities and non-profit entities.
Firms with pro bono targets, whether aspirational or mandatory, have a large impact on hourly contributions, as firms with targets averaged 13 more hours per lawyer than those without.
- Of the responding firms, an average of 43 hours of pro bono work was performed by each lawyer over the previous 12 month period.
- The value of pro bono contributions of those surveyed averaged $11,000 per lawyer.
- The greatest hourly contributions were performed for registered charities and non-profit entities.
- Firms with pro bono targets, whether aspirational or mandatory, have a large impact on hourly contributions, as firms with targets averaged 13 more hours per lawyer than those without.
- Overall, pro bono work is thriving around the world.
Other articles provide illustrations of the international pro bono market as it compares to the American model. These sources show that relative to our international peers, American lawyers are leading the way in pro bono services and contributing heavily in international environments as well. According to a recent publication by The American Lawyer, on average, non-U.S. lawyers at non-U.S. firms perform half as much pro bono work as non-U.S. lawyers at American firms, and both of these groups are surpassed by U.S.-based lawyers at Am Law 100 firms. A separate article by the American Lawyer also reflects the notion that American lawyers in Am Law 100 firms provide over twice as many pro bono hours than their international counterparts.
It is always easy to criticize data as being insufficient or problematic due to any number of factors. Additionally, it is tempting to use these figures to criticize levels of government aid and social services as not providing sufficient assistance to fill public service gaps. Those holes are often filled by attorneys performing pro bono services. While there are many forums available for analysis and debate, as we reflect on our contributions and achievements in 2014, those providing pro bono services should all take a step back from daily stresses, deals and cases to be proud of what has been accomplished. Each of these studies referenced above shows that pro bono work is alive and thriving around the world. Americans appear to be leading the way in pro bono contributions, but attorneys worldwide seem to be focusing more and more on providing legal service to the underserved members of society. This positive trend is something that we should all reflect upon with pride as we head into 2015.
Ryan McRobert, an alum of University of Washington School of Law, is an associate in the Corporate practice group at Fenwick & West LLP. He focuses his practice on a broad variety of corporate matters to support clients in the high technology and life sciences industries. While in law school, Ryan served as a legal extern to Judge Michael Hayden of King County Superior Court. Additionally, he held the position of Notes and Comments Editor for the Washington Law Review.
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