BigLaw and Pro Bono Work/Professional Activities

sallyawp
Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:25:09 +0000

Since I was a very junior attorney, and throughout my career at Biglaw, I have worked on pro bono matters to some extent every year. Many Biglaw firms are supportive of pro bono efforts, have some kind of pro bono coordinator who provides lists of opportunities to attorneys, and even have certain pro bono activities that the firm takes on on a regular basis. That said, although some Biglaw firms give credit for the hours worked on pro bono hours, absent special circumstances, you generally must get all of your billable work done in addition to whatever pro bono work you have.

Many Biglaw attorneys are also involved in professional activities such as bar association committees and adjunct teaching (I used to be an adjunct professor, too), but work has to be a priority. In my experience, these activities are much more prevalent among more senior attorneys, particularly partners.