Giving back is one of the pillars of a successful practice. Every firm has something to give, in its own community and beyond it: pro bono work, financial support for a cause, or time on a project that has nothing to do with the law. A culture of giving connects legal and non-legal staff, builds camaraderie and morale, improves retention, and makes a real difference locally. The question is where to start, and how to choose the opportunities that fit both the firm and the community.
I. Ask for Staff Input
Many of your attorneys and support staff are already active in charitable work. They know where the need is, locally and further afield, and asking them is both the best place to start and a way of building connections inside the firm.
II. Make a Plan
- How much time do you want to contribute to pro bono legal services?
- Are any of your attorneys interested in serving on a local board?
- How much of your giving should be strictly financial support?
- Are there opportunities within the community and beyond that involve physical participation?
III. Set Guidelines
- Will staff participation be an option or an expectation? For example, will you require each attorney to turn in X amount of pro bono hours each year?
- Will staff be asked to use earned vacation time for projects that require their participation during typical office hours? Or will the firm “donate” a specified number of paid hours?
- Will staff be able to “apply” for firm sponsorship on projects they participate in as individuals?
IV. Just Do It
Still searching for ways to get involved? Here is a list of potential opportunities for giving back.
- Pro bono services: Charitable organizations, individuals of limited means and not-for-profits all have small budgets for legal advice. Free talks, classes and workshops count, and so does serving as a volunteer mediator. It need not be limited to your own community, since much of it can be done remotely.
- Mentoring: There is no shortage of programs. Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, or direct outreach to law and college students, are both good ways in.
- Financial contributions: Choose the organizations, local and otherwise, on the strength of staff suggestions. Pledge specific amounts at specific intervals, which lets them forecast and budget.
- Turn up in person: Does a local organization need help with a project? Is Habitat for Humanity building in your area? Does a local school run an annual fair? These are the occasions where staff give time and effort together.
Whatever you choose and whatever you give, it serves the people on the receiving end and it returns something to the firm as well. From all of us at OnBoard Legal, good luck with it.