Law Firms Pay for High-Profile Pro Bono Work

Law firms eager to take on pro bono cases increasingly pay nonprofit groups for the privilege of working for free, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Lawyers Without Borders charges $7,500 for access to its cases, and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts makes similar arrangements with firms that “donate” money. Some firms channel more than $1-million annually to public-interest groups, and many others provide free office space or clerical help in exchange for cases.

Of course, the law firms are seeking the best cases. Still, many bristle at the idea that pro bono work comes with strings attached. “It turns me off when organizations come to me and say, ‘You’re going to have to contribute to get work,’” said one lawyer.

The article also mentions why pro bono work has become so popular in recent years: Firms that demonstrate a commitment to social causes have an advantage in recruiting and retaining young, idealistic lawyers who are often more socially minded than the older generation.

(A paid subscription is required to view Journal article.)