You can’t do pro bono work… May 3, 2010
Recently I attended a meeting here in Northern Virginia of a bunch of firms that were interested in improving delivery of legal services to the poor. I was the only lawyer there as most were mega firms who had sent their “pro bono coordinators” to the meeting to figure out how to get their legions of lawyers to volunteer.
I’m not sure how to get 60 patent attorneys to volunteer to do uncontested divorces but I do know what it takes to get a solo or small firm attorney to do more pro bono: they have to have a profitable practice. If you are making money and working only with clients you like working for then, yes, you’ll have time to get involved in another case that it interesting for which you will not be paid.
But, if you are worried about whether the likes can be turned on next Monday then no, you shouldn’t be taking pro bono cases.
You need to have the mindset of a business owner. You are an entrepreneur. Never be shy about running your law practice in order to make a profit–hopefully a big one for you, your family and (yes) for your employees.
You are the economic engine and many are depending on you to get in new cases, develop a group of raving fans and make more money this year than you’ve ever done before.
Go for it. Don’t be afraid to turn a huge profit for your solo or small law firm.
Posted Under: capitalism,entrepreneurship Tags: pro bono work, profit
