The Oklahoma Bar Journal August 2023

deposition, but ensuring they can gain those skills through a pro bono case can be a win-win for the firm and the lawyer. Finally, many corporate clients are increasingly expecting volun teerism to be a standard part of their outside counsel’s approach and commitment. Major corpora tions will even partner with firms on pro bono projects. Investing in pro bono helps raise a firm’s profile with existing and potential clients and opens new chances for networking and engagement. Even when attorneys under stand the need for pro bono and are motivated to provide those ser vices, there can still be an obstacle in connecting with an organization to volunteer. That’s why, in 2020,

survey found that 61% of respon dents ranked pro bono as very or somewhat important when assess ing a potential employer. Research has found that employees are more engaged at work when they feel connected to a broader mission or purpose, have opportunities to learn and grow, are recognized for their work and can use their strengths. 4 Pro bono service can help address all these engagement factors, leading to higher retention rates and more engaged and productive teams. It can also function as a critical professional development tool for younger attorneys or those look ing to build new skill sets. A firm may not have the ability to put a junior associate on an important

increasingly, firms can’t afford not to invest in pro bono. As we mentioned earlier, law students are being supported in develop ing a habit and expectation of pro bono service, and it is a critical question many ask when looking for post-graduate employment. Developing a robust pro bono program is an excellent recruit ment tool, and it is effective as a retention strategy as well. A new survey from Major, Lindsey & Africa found that a meaningful number of Generation Z law stu dents and recent graduates would leave an employer if they felt their values were not aligned with the work, and incorporating pro bono service can be an effective way to address that concern. 3 The same

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL