THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF LEGAL JOBS ON EARTH
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Paralegals and Pro Bono Work Though the subject is rarely touched upon, pro-bono work is as much important for paralegals as it is for lawyers. Both the objectives and results are identical as in the case of pro bono work done by lawyers. Objectives include altruism, exposure, networking, and gathering of experience and the results obviously include achievement, contribution to society, increase in connections and exposure, and quite often – desirable job opportunities. Pro bono work on a team consisting of lawyers from a law firm or several law firms, or other organizations provides a way to get to know potential recruiters in a formal setting without the tension of facing a job interview. As such, pro bono work is good for any paralegal either preparing for his/her first job or thinking of lateral opportunities.
Under attorney supervision, the kinds of work that
of Paralegal Associations or the ABA’s “How to Utilize
a paralegal may perform in pro bono programs
Legal Assistants In Pro Bono Publico Programs.”
include: Interviews, legal research, legal writing and representation at administrative hearings. Both state
A bone of contention that persists and one should be
bar associations and local paralegal associations
clear about despite attorney supervision is whether the
provide pro bono opportunities, and if you have the
work done by a paralegal as pro bono can be construed
time on your hand, then it is good not to pass up an
as providing legal advice. The ABA Standing Committee
opportunity.
on Pro Bono and Public Services has an excellent audioCLE program on the issue named “Ethical Aspects of
If you are interested in pro bono work, know that it
Providing Legal Advice and Legal Information,” a must-
is recommended by most paralegal associations. The
hear for all paralegals.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) includes the requirement for every paralegal to aspire
There are many other noted organizations and
to contribute 24 hours of pro bono services every year.
programs across the country which helps both
The NALA or National Association of Legal Assistants
paralegals and paralegals seeking pro bono work. Such
does not have such a policy spelt out in favor of pro
programs include both clinics like the D.C. Bar’s Advice
bono work. Nevertheless the Model Standards and
and Referral Clinic, or awards like the Colorado Bar
Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants of NALA
Association Paralegal Committee and Rocky Mountain
mention that the working relationship between a lawyer
Paralegal Association Pro Bono Paralegal of the Year
and the legal assistant should extend to cooperative
Award.
public service activities where feasible. The ABA also has a Standing Committee on Paralegals, which is quite
Some other excellent regional resources for paralegal
active and promotes paralegal participation in pro bono
pro bono work include:
work.
•
Community Legal Clinics
Those looking for concrete opportunities in pro bono work that would reflect and help one’s career should access online The National Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities Guide. Other good resources include the NFA Pro Bono Directory of the National Federation
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Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Walk-In
•
Georgia Association of the Paralegals Inc
•
Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas
•
Los Angeles Paralegal Association,
•
and other such clinics and programs which are
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nationally recognized.
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