Pro Bono
Pro Bono (short for "pro bono publico" meaning "for the public good") is when lawyers provide free legal services to people or organizations who cannot afford legal representation. This practice is important in the legal profession as it helps ensure access to justice for all and is often considered a professional responsibility. Law firms typically expect their attorneys to dedicate a certain number of hours each year to pro bono work, which can range from helping individuals with basic legal needs to supporting non-profit organizations with complex legal matters.
Examples in Resumes
Managed 200+ hours of Pro Bono cases annually, focusing on immigration law
Led the firm's Pro Bono program, coordinating 50+ attorneys' volunteer legal services
Received recognition for outstanding Pro Bono contribution in family law cases
Typical job title: "Pro Bono Attorneys"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pro Bono Attorneys
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How have you managed a pro bono program and what metrics did you use to measure success?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss experience coordinating multiple cases, managing attorney volunteers, tracking hours and impact, and establishing relationships with community organizations. They should mention specific success metrics like number of cases handled, client satisfaction, and program growth.
Q: How do you balance commercial work demands with pro bono commitments?
Expected Answer: Strong answers should demonstrate experience in managing multiple priorities, setting realistic expectations, and having systems in place to ensure both billable and pro bono work get appropriate attention. They should mention specific strategies for time management and delegation.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What types of pro bono cases have you handled and what were the challenges?
Expected Answer: Candidates should be able to discuss specific types of cases (like immigration, housing, or family law), explain how they overcame challenges, and demonstrate understanding of working with pro bono clients' unique needs.
Q: How do you select which pro bono cases to take on?
Expected Answer: Look for answers showing thoughtful case selection based on expertise, impact potential, time commitment, and firm resources. They should understand how to evaluate cases for merit and scope.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Why is pro bono work important to you?
Expected Answer: Candidates should show genuine interest in public service, understanding of access to justice issues, and awareness of the professional responsibility aspect of pro bono work.
Q: What experience do you have with pro bono or volunteer legal work?
Expected Answer: Look for involvement in law school clinics, legal aid volunteering, or other relevant experience showing commitment to public service, even if limited.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic case management
- Client interviewing
- Legal research and writing
- Understanding of ethical obligations
Mid (3-7 years)
- Independent case handling
- Mentoring junior attorneys
- Project management
- Community outreach
Senior (7+ years)
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Partner relationships
- Impact litigation experience
Red Flags to Watch For
- No previous volunteer or public service experience
- Lack of interest in working with underserved communities
- Poor time management skills
- Unwillingness to work with diverse clients
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