Why Work Pro Bono?
Under the ethical rules of the American Bar Association, every lawyer is recommended to set aside 50 hours of pro bono service every year. Some individual State Bar associations may require its lawyers to put in lesser hours of pro bono service. Besides fulfilling the ethical obligation, pro bono cases enable lawyers to gain experience in fields other than that in which they specialize. For example, a criminal law attorney can act as a pro bono divorce lawyer to add to his portfolio. However, the urge to act as a pro bono lawyer can also be absolutely out of unselfish interests. Even highly experienced lawyers take up cases for free in the same area that they specialize, in case they feel that the case is challenging and interesting. Or sometimes, it could be strictly for altruistic inclination of helping the financially disabled individuals or those who have been laid off or are unable to meet customary legal fees. Some lawyers take up pro bono cases, if they feel that taking up the c
