The Oklahoma Bar Journal August 2023

obligation to provide pro bono ser vices and learn new skills or a new area of law. Additionally, this model aligns with Comment 2, which emphasizes the importance of the fundamental skill of identifying the involved legal problems, specifically stating “necessarily transcends any particular specialized knowledge.” Honesty, professionalism and civility are expected in our conduct with clients, opposing counsel, parties, witnesses and the public (1.6). In addition to these guidelines for conduct, the Standards of Professionalism also expect a higher degree of grace and courtesy for our clients. More specifically, “We will refrain from engaging in professional conduct which exhibits or is intended to appeal to or engender bias against a person based upon that per son’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.” These considerations are necessary for all involved in a legal matter. Thus, attorneys should always strive to act in a professional manner in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Fortunately, many legal services organizations provide training around effectively working with marginalized communities that can improve one’s ability to offer culturally sensitive legal services. If you are looking for a pro bono opportunity that provides training and support to learn a new area of law, we highly recommend partnering with an organization that has a robust pro bono program, such as Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Oklahoma Lawyers for Families and Children, Oklahoma City Afghan Legal Network, Palomar or one of the

the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation started our statewide pro bono portal: okprobono.org. It’s a one-stop shop for potential volunteers to browse opportunities from over a dozen organizations across the state and volunteer with the click of a button. When you are providing pro bono service, it’s important that you maintain the ethical obligations expected of all attorneys, particu larly competence, honesty, profes sionalism, civility and unbiased professional conduct. Fortunately, there are many ways to fulfill your ethical obligation while effectively serving your community. Professionalism represent the behavior expected of Oklahoma attorneys in their dealings with each other, clients, courts and the public. Among these expectations are ongoing legal education (2.4), honesty, civility and professional ism in dealings with clients (1.6) and comporting professional con duct in an unbiased manner. Standard 2.4 indicates that law yers are expected to “continually engage in legal education and rec ognize our limitations of knowl edge and experience.” Paired with the requirement for competent representation in Rule 1.1 of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys may feel they are limited to the provision of pro bono legal services that are within their area of expertise. However, working with a pro bono pro gram that provides training and/or ongoing assistance in an area where an attorney may feel less comfortable is truly a great opportunity to meet their ethical ETHICS OF PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES The OBA Standards of

many others you can find through the Oklahoma Pro Bono Portal. Pro bono service is an outstanding chance to meet your professional ethical responsibility, continue your professional development and serve your fellow Oklahomans.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Melissa Brooks is the director of legal information and engagement at the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, where

she supports and expands pro bono efforts across Oklahoma and builds public legal information. Ms. Brooks earned her J.D. at the OCU School of Law with a certificate in estate planning. Katie Dilks is the executive director of

the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, which strives to increase

meaningful participation in a fair and accessible civil justice system. Ms. Dilks received her J.D. and master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

ENDNOTES

1. 1.1 We understand that the law is a learned profession and that among its tenets are devotion to public service, improvement of the administration of justice, and access to justice for our fellow citizens. 1.3 We will donate legal services to persons unable to afford those services. 1.5 We will contribute time on a pro bono basis to community activities. https://bit.ly/3NFuLrI. 2. https://bit.ly/43g34vn. 3. Major, Lindsey & Africa, “Gen Z: Now Influencing Today’s Law Firm Culture,” 2023. 4. https://bit.ly/43pHzIZ.

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