4 minute read
Tips to help you Survive Legal Pro Bono
Tips to help you Survive Legal Pro Bono
Legal pro bono work is like torch juggling – it can be an exhilarating act, but it’s essential that you make sure you don’t get burned. Here are some practical strategies for keeping your sanity intact, and your clients happy.
1. Establish Boundaries
Think of setting boundaries like creating a forcefield around yourself. As much as you might want to be, you can’t be available 24/7. Your availability may be priceless, but you are not. So, make sure clients understand this. Set clear expectations at the start and stick to them as best you can. There will be times this is impossible but do your best. You will be much better placed to help when you’ve had time to recharge your batteries.
2. Time Management and Goal Setting
You know you’ve entered the pro bono world when your to-do list is longer than the queue for Pret on a rainy day.
Legal professionals like to aim high. If you’ve made it to qualification, you’re ambitious, and probably reach for the stars. However, while it’s important to be high achieving (who doesn’t want to end up as a Supreme Court Justice?!), you also need to set realistic goals and keep track of the time you spend working vs. unwinding. Block tasks out into time slots and stick to them. If your mind starts to wander, try using the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes working, 5 minutes break) to keep your mind focused on the job at hand. Be strict with sticking to the task-and-break split - you’ll be surprised how productive this technique can be once you get the hang of it.
3. Build your support system
Look for support or mentorship from experienced professionals. You will be amazed by how willing people are to offer advice and support if you approach them in the right way. Just as you dedicate your time and expertise to pro bono work daily, other professionals are enthusiastic about doing the same to help you/others in the field. There is a strong sense of camaraderie among lawyers, so be sure to create your network and make use of this.
4. Self care comes first.
This doesn’t have to be in the form of a spa day or a deep meditation if that’s not your thing. Just think of the activities that give you energy and rejuvenate you! This could be spending time with friends, exercising, or ranting to a partner. Whatever it is, make sure that you make time for it every single day. Even a ten-minute phone call to debrief with a friend is enough to help you re-centre. It’s extra important to turn this into a habit, so when you’re feeling overwhelmed it comes naturally. A wellrested lawyer is a formidable lawyer.
5. Legal Perspective or Legal Prescription?
Some cases are going to drive you mad. But it’s important to maintain perspective. Not all cases are going to have a fairy-tale ending, and that is not your fault. Law is vast and complicated, and it’s impossible to always get the outcome you hope for. If you’re still feeling down in the dumps, remember, you didn’t lose, you just came second. ;)
6. Laughter really is the best medicine.
If all else fails, laugh. Sometimes humour is the best legal remedy for the headaches that come with the job. Reflect on the small (and big!) victories and remind yourself not to take it too seriously.
Pro-bono work doesn’t have to be all chaos and stress. Remember that you are a resilient force for good, making a difference to the lives of those in need. Keep calm and continue to make a positive impact in your community because let’s face it, there’s no billable hour when it comes to pro bono, so you’d better find your motivation elsewhere!
