CBA Record September-October 2024

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

Finally, ask for what you need. Whether it’s close supervision, mentorship, a par ticular type of case, or specific learning opportunities, be clear about your goals. Speaking up is the easiest way to navigate the ocean of pro bono work out there. Finding the Time Balancing pro bono work with your other responsibilities can be challenging, but it is worth the effort. Here’s why and how to make it work: View pro bono work as a training oppor tunity. Pro bono projects can give new law yers unique opportunities they would not get otherwise, whether it is a chance to build expertise or explore something new. New lawyers typically get a majority of their experience in the courtroom or work ing directly with clients through pro bono work—especially new lawyers in private practice or in-house roles. Further, don’t see pro bono as a distrac tion from your career goals. Instead, view it as a way to grow. You can use it to build your substantive skillset in your main areas of focus or to try out completely new areas of law. Finding Support Ensuring you have the right support is crucial for effective pro bono work as a new lawyer. Here’s how to secure it: First, regardless of the type of work you are doing, you need to maintain your competency and meet your ethical requirements. Your standards should be consistent and high across your billable and pro bono work. With the number of unfamiliar experiences that pro bono work gives new lawyers, upholding your standards means being honest about your abilities and seeking help when needed. Finding good supervision is key. Look for mentors or supervisors who can guide you and provide substantive, regular feed back. If you are taking on projects that are completely new to you, find a supervisor and support system with experience in the area. This is an often-overlooked benefit of pro bono work: it can give you a chance to expand your network and collaborate

The Path to Pro Bono: A Guide for New Lawyers By Constance Du

T aking on pro bono work as a new lawyer can feel daunting. For everything pro bono work offers new lawyers—autonomy, experience, community, and a chance to do the work you went to law school to do—it can also come with a steep learning curve. Below are some pointers on how to find projects, manage your time, and get the support you need to make pro bono a meaningful part of your legal career— now and in the long run. Finding Projects Building a pro bono practice starts with finding the right projects. Here are some tips to help you discover opportunities: First, tap into your network. Check if your workplace has a pro bono coordina tor, group, or committee. Law firms and corporations usually have established rela tionships with legal aid organizations and nonprofits in their communities, along with resources to help you find pro bono projects.

As a new lawyer, you can also find pro bono work by getting involved in your broader legal community. The CBA’s pro bono opportunities are many and varied. Some affinity groups and nonprofits focus on specific areas of law or under represented communities and can provide targeted pro bono opportunities. Many courts and legal aid organizations run their own pro bono programs, particu larly in areas such as family law, housing, civil rights, and employment law. Second, choose your work wisely. Pro bono needs are many. Focus on what interests you. Whether you seek litigation or transactional experience, individual representation or policy work—you will find it. Identify what excites you and aligns with your skills. Be selective about the kind of projects you’re taking on, too—not just the area of law. Pro bono projects can vary dra matically in terms of their time and skill requirements. Be realistic about what you can commit to.

34 September/October 2024