To share his story on why he does pro bono, we talked with Mac Finlayson, Senior Counsel at Eller & Detrich, and chair of TCBA’s Pro Bono Committee. The Pro Bono Committee operates the Court Assistance Project, providing pro bono representation to tenants facing eviction in Tulsa County.
Volunteering at this level is also an excellent opportunity for young lawyers who may otherwise be stuck in the library to get into a courtroom and develop trial and public speaking skills to yield more effective presentations. It may take some a while to learn to talk on their feet. This is an excellent training opportunity.
When did you first start doing pro bono?
What is a piece of advice you'd give to someone looking to increase their pro bono commitment?
I believe I started volunteering as a pro bono lawyer about three and a half to four years ago. I have chaired the TCBA Pro Bono Committee for two years. What is something that has surprised you from your pro bono experience? What surprised me the most about volunteering was the level of gratitude from our tenant-clients. Often, they simply needed someone they trust to explain their options under the law and to know we were there for them. For many, the fact someone cared enough to appear to represent them on a pro bono basis was uplifting and often emotional. Tenants in this demographic often have become used to being beat up and giving up. Our appearance gives them some measure of hope, where there was none before. Of course, most were frightened and believed a courtroom experience would not work to their benefit. That the system was rigged against them. But, when we got some order into the process, got them somewhat relaxed, and negotiated an orderly transition for them, they were very grateful.
Stop thinking or talking about it and just volunteer. Lack of experience in residential landlord-tenant law should not discourage you. We will teach you! I knew little about it when I began. We have a 1-hour video presentation of landlord-tenant law (Oklahoma Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) and an ORLTA Handbook with citations of law to both statutes and decisions, with appendixes that include those statutory provisions and the actual decisions. Frankly, if I can do it, you can, too. I take that handbook to court with me each time I appear. Having the law at your fingertips (when the opposition typically does not) yields a more positive result. The video presentation will also allow you to earn 1 hour of free CLE from the OBA, and because it is recorded, scheduling is convenient. The materials are yours to keep.
I would also encourage you to join the TCBA Pro Bono Committee (we meet the first Monday of each month – the next meeting is August 2). We just restarted in-person meetings where we share information over lunch (provided) about the law and trends that How do you see pro bono fitting into a modern legal are useful in this courtroom setting. We are now also focusing on eviction mitigation initiatives. This practice? exchange of information is very helpful. There are also Rule 6.1 of the Oklahoma Rules for Professional volunteers to call on who have done this type of work Conduct encourages lawyers to render public interest for some time that can provide assistance and answer legal service, and certainly, preventing homelessness questions you might encounter. With the training, is a public interest service. Many of these tenants in materials and people we have available for you, there FED court are facing homelessness, and the eviction is a strong support network at your disposal. See you process can be the final predicate to homelessness. in court! (In a good sort of way.) Rule 6.1 can be satisfied by providing financial support to organizations supplying legal services, but I would We applaud Mac and all the dedicated TCBA attorneys suggest engaging with people in need is not only who generously give of their time and talent to those rewarding on a personal level but would point out there who need legal assistance. For anyone looking for a pro is nothing to prevent you from doing both! I encourage bono opportunity, please visit the statewide pro bono financial support for public interest initiatives, but portal at okprobono.org to review and volunteer for I also believe active pro bono representation is over 70 projects with more than a dozen legal services equally important and rewarding. We [CAP] only providers. ask that you volunteer one afternoon per month and provide malpractice coverage for these limited scope Katie Dilks Executive Director, engagements. Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation
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