Member Event - Magnolia Soap Co

The Oklahoma Access to Justice Commission and Access to Justice Foundation are cosponsoring the first annual Summer Pro Bono Challenge this year. We hope it will inspire lawyers in firms of all sizes to examine and expand their pro bono commitment. Often, we hear that lawyers worry that they don’t have time to do pro bono (after all, time is money). But it’s important to remember that a robust pro bono program is a critical recruitment and retention tool. All three Oklahoma law schools have a “pro bono pledge” where students are encouraged to provide at least 50 hours of pro bono and community service during their time in law school and celebrated for meeting those goals. They expect law firms to carry a similar commitment to the ethical obligation of pro bono service. Additionally, pro bono can be a valuable training and business development tool. Many young attorneys may not have opportunities early in their career for significant trial and client experience but can build those skills through pro bono volunteering. Volunteer programs can also bring attorneys in contact with others in the field in a wide variety of practice areas and settings, including corporate and in-house counsel. Many companies now look for a law firm that “walks the walk” when it comes to community engagement and volunteerism when retaining outside counsel.