Mentoring is Not the Only Way to Influence Other Lawyers: Pro Bono Work is also a Great Option
Mentoring provides opportunities for professional growth for both the mentor and mentee. When providing pro bono work, you are also given the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. It gives you a chance to volunteer in an area where you are an expert or assist in an area you are considering transitioning your practice. The knowledge you pass along can be unlimited in reach. Not only are you helping a younger attorney grow their practice, but they also in turn can share that learning experience with those they network with. The decision to mentor or to perform pro bono work can inspire others in your law firms or legal organizations as one shares optimism and stories of their experiences. Pro bono and mentor opportunities are also both great networking occasions for the attorneys involved.
In 2016 attorneys and law students in the United States volunteered for more than 7.5 million hours of pro bono work, which was up from the previous year. This included working on such cases as: the Big Apple Circus bankruptcy, immigration matters, at risk pregnant mothers, inhumane executions, mortgage fraud, wrongful terminations, wrongfully accused prisoners, human trafficking, and assisting first responders with legal documents such as wills and estate plans.
When you take time from your own life to work with a mentee or work on a pro bono case you will likely feel happier, more satisfied with your career, and reflect on lessons learned in your years of practice while making a difference in someone else’s life. You may think that you were not meant to be a mentor, and you may be right, although I doubt it. If mentoring truly isn’t for you, consider instead using the skills from your daily practice to perform pro bono work. The difference with pro bono work compared to mentoring is that you are using your experience in the practice of law to help someone that may have no other options. So not only is pro bono work necessary in the American judicial system, but you could get something out of it and influence others in your firm to donate their time too.
“We educated, privileged lawyers have a professional and moral duty to represent the underrepresented in our society, to ensure that justice exists for all, both legal and economic justice.” – Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (November 2002).
As we see an increased need for pro bono service and the ability to provide this important service, PohlmanUSA is pleased to work with so many clients who dedicate their time to this representation. To learn about how we can assist with cost control on your pro bono work please contact our sales and marketing team at 877-421-0099.
