CBA Record September-October 2026

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

l Credit pro bono hours toward billable expectations even if there is cap. l Recognize pro bono contributions in evaluations, newsletters, or firm meetings. l Allow flexible scheduling for volunteer opportunities. This clearly communicates that the firm encourages pro bono service. l Create a firm-wide pro bono day once or twice a year to encourage pro bono engagement and educate members on pro bono opportunities. l Pair associates with a pro bono mentor who can provide guidance. These mentors can also provide associates a companion for a pro bono opportunity. Meaningful pro bono service does not require hundreds of hours each year. Volun teering at one legal clinic each quarter, or accepting just a handful of pro bono matters, can have a profound impact on the lives of those seeking legal assistance. As lawyers, we often measure success by the cases we win, the clients we serve, or the hours we work. Yet some of the most meaningful work we will ever do in our legal careers may never appear on an invoice. Years from now, few of us will remember every motion we drafted or every deposition we defended. But somewhere, a family may still be together, a child may have a brighter future, or a client may have found hope because a lawyer chose to give a few hours of their time. Sometimes, that is the greatest return on our pro bono investment as members of the legal profession. Scenes from the 2026 All Bar Social

Nielsen Career Consulting Career Counseling For Attorneys Coaching support for your career in or out of the law • Career Transition • Job Search • Interview Prep • Professional Development • Difficult Workplace Guidance • Wellness Support Over 30 years of experience counseling over 5,000 lawyers and other professionals.

Sheila Nielsen, MSW, JD sheila@nielsencareerconsulting.com

Looking to Rent or Sell Office Space?

Advertise with us! Classified ads are $2.50 per word for CBA mem bers, and $3.50 per word for non members. Email your classified ad copy to snolan@chicagobar.org and receive a link to pay online.

CBA RECORD 33