Pro bono work isn’t just a noble endeavor — it’s a powerful investment in a law firm’s future. While free legal services help bridge the justice gap for those in need, the benefits for law firms are just as compelling. Pro bono can strengthen a firm’s reputation, attract socially conscious legal talent, and sharpen young lawyers’ advocacy skills beyond what billable work may offer. A robust pro bono program reflects a firm’s values and demonstrates its commitment to its lawyers and community.
To foster a culture where pro bono work is valued and prioritized, firms need to take intentional steps.
1. Institutional Support
A pro bono culture starts with strong institutional support. Firms should implement policies that position pro bono work as integral to legal practice. “Our generous pro bono policy credits pro bono hours as billable hours for the purposes of billable targets and bonus consideration. There is no cap on the number of hours for which a lawyer can receive credit,” shares Grace Pastine, Pro Bono Counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF).
Similarly, Rebecca Levi, Associate Director of Professional Development and Marketing at Farris LLP, notes: “We have a policy that permits up to 100 non-billable hours annually to count towards bonus, and pro bono work qualifies for these hours, so there is additional incentive to do this work.”
2. Mentorship
Integrating mentorship into pro bono programs can enrich the experience for both junior and senior lawyers. At Farris, senior counsel mentor junior lawyers on pro bono cases, offering guidance and support. Levi elaborates: “Our Access Pro Bono (APB) partnership allows our students and more junior lawyers to get hands-on experience running their own file from start to finish, which wouldn’t happen with standard ‘big firm’ clients at that stage. We use more senior lawyers as supervisors to make sure the juniors and files are properly supported, which is also a great mentorship opportunity.”
3. Designate a Pro Bono Champion
Firms can ensure their pro bono programs are strategic and intentional by appointing a pro bono champion. Pastine shares how NRF pioneered this approach: “In 2023, we became the first, and remain the only, Canadian law firm to have a full-time dedicated legal counsel to direct our pro bono practice.” Pro bono champions, like Pastine and Levi, coordinate projects, liaise with lawyers, and build partnerships, ensuring pro bono work is embedded into their firm’s culture rather than an afterthought.
4. Partner with Community Organizations
Firms can maximize their impact by collaborating with local organizations. Levi emphasizes, “As a regional firm with a deep history in BC, it’s important for us to give where we live, and to support the community around us.” Partnerships with nonprofits like APB streamline the process for firms, as these organizations can handle initial case screenings for financial need or legal merit.
Pastine illustrates the power of these partnerships: “APB referred us a client who is a Squamish Nation elder who used her life retirement savings to purchase a tiny home. She intended to live out her retirement years in the home in the Squamish Nation lands. However, the builder stole her money, failed to build the home, and left the client homeless and without her retirement savings. Our lawyers, led by associate Nathan Jones, have spent hundreds of hours vigilantly seeking to enforce a judgment against the defendants through a sale of their property, and recently succeeded in having the defendants declared vexatious litigants.” Cases like this one underscore how pro bono work not only changes lives but provides fulfilling professional experiences.
Building a pro bono culture requires intentional action. By implementing clear policies, fostering mentorship, appointing dedicated leaders, and partnering with community organizations, firms can create an environment where pro bono thrives. These strategies benefit lawyers, uplift communities, and promote equal justice.