Advice from Carolina Alums

Why is it important to integrate pro bono into your practice of law?

"It is important to integrate pro bono service into your legal practice because it affords you the opportunity to assist clients in a matter, whether small or large, that is critically important to the client you serve. Through this process you give a voice to someone or an organization that otherwise would likely not be heard. In addition, through pro bono work, you are able to gain significant professional development opportunities, helping you be a better lawyer for all of your clients."

Rene Kathawala
Pro Bono Coordinator, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

"Legal work is often far removed from the tangible needs of individuals in need.  Pro bono work allows this gap to be bridged."

Christopher Brook
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP

"It is almost a truism to say that the practice of law in 2008 for many lawyers is demanding, personally unrewarding and often a far cry from what the profession seemed to offer years ago. It is equally clear that the need for legal service to the underserved has reached dire proportions. It is in the "marriage" of these two disturbing trends that the individual practitioner can find the professional and personal satisfaction--and even joy--many of us once had but now lack."

Raymond E. Owens, Jr.
K & L Gates

"Lawyers are always busy. But, I have also seen during my years in practice that the busiest lawyers I know nevertheless find a way to pursue pro bono work. They find the time because of their innate understanding that this profession demands that we give back and because they learn in the process that there is no greater reward than helping someone in need who has no other way to obtain that help."

Judge Linda Stephens
NC Court of Appeals

How do you incorporate pro bono in your career?

"If you begin your career by immediately taking on a pro bono client, that is the easiest way to ensure that you will regularly represent pro bono clients during each phase of your career. You can always find room in your schedule to represent a pro bono client."

Rene Kathawala
Pro Bono Coordinator, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

"As a 3L at Carolina Law I pledged that I would do 50 hours of pro bono legal service per year. To make that manageable as an attorney I divide my pledge up into months and focus on doing at least five hours of pro bono per month, which is just part of one afternoon. From there it is just a matter of seeking out or making myself available for pro bono opportunities in my community."

Christopher Brook
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP

"Incorporating pro bono in my career has consisted of trying to follow two primary paths: (1) direct service to pro bono clients as a trial lawyer where the need for equal access is immediately tangible and particular; and (2) service on and with boards, committees, and advocacy groups who work to eliminate the underlying causes of injustice in our legal system. Both are necessary and both provide different rewards for the attorney."

Raymond E. Owens, Jr.
K & L Gates

"As a judge, I must refrain from giving legal advice and representing clients. But, there are still ways to help. For example, when North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services offered a free civil law clinic for the formerly incarcerated in conjunction with the 4ALL campaign in April, I participated as a receptionist to help check clients in and get their initial paperwork completed. Being part of that effort was so rewarding and so much fun that I am committed to working in the clinic every time it is offered."

Judge Linda Stephens
NC Court of Appeals