Pro Bono: Making strides despite economy
Reports of the death of pro bono work in Florida have been greatly exaggerated, at least according to attorneys recently interviewed by the Central Florida Law Journal.
“We find that our pro bono initiative helps us retain high quality attorneys,” said Orlando-based Ed Baxa, chairman of the National Pro Bono Committee for Foley & Lardner LLP. “Lawyers are not used to being idle. We work hard to match the skill sets of lawyers to pro bono projects.”
Foley & Lardner has made great strides over the years in its pro bono initiave. The firm says the increase in the number of attorneys putting in pro bono work has enabled the firm to from 23,000 hours in 2006 to more than 40,000 in 2008.
The goal is 50,000, Baxa said.
But while Foley & Lardner’s success in its pro bono initiative continues to grow, that rate of achievement is not typical in law today. A recent survey commissioned by the Florida Bar, called Pro Bono: Looking Back, Moving Forward, shows a 30 percent decline in lawyers doing free work.
The Rules of Professional Conduct for Florida include that attorneys have a goal to each year to provide 20 hours of pro bono legal services for the poor or contribute $350 to a legal aid organization in lieu of service. A variety of reasons undermine the ability to reach the goals.
According to the study, from 2000-2006 the percentage of attorneys reporting pro bono legal services was stagnant at 52 percent. During the same time period, the Florida pro bono programs for the poor reported a 30 percent decline in the number of attorneys who provided pro bono legal services through the programs.
But the study indicates there are varying reasons for the decline. Those interviewing with Central Florida Law Journal cited mainly time constraints.
“There is no shortage of altruism among our attorneys,” Baxa said. “And we are aware that there is an increasing need for pro bono work, for instance in the area of foreclosures. But we also know that the increase in foreclosure work won’t last forever.”
Lonnie Groot, of counsel with Stenstrom, McIntosh, Colbert, Whigham & Partlow PA, reckons his management of pro bono work to a popular athletic slogan.
“I don’t want to sound trite, but you ‘Just do it,’” he said. “Especially in the area of family law, if you have a widow or someone in need, you have to help. Also, I participate in Florida Law-Related Education, where you teach school students about the legal system. I feel that, basically, everyone has time constraints, but you just get it done. You don’t take your foot off the gas.”
The Florida bar recently honored 22 lawyers for their pro bono work.
