’Tis the season to take a pro bono case

GOING SOLO

The benefits of being a solo attorney are numerous, not least of which includes choosing your own clients and setting your caseload. This degree of autonomy is important not only for an effective practice, but also provides solo attorneys more freedom in choosing what they work on and when. The flexibility and independence of solo attorneys means that they are uniquely situated to take on pro bono cases and fill in justice gaps that exist in our society, and every solo attorney should find a way to work pro bono cases into their practice.

There is always a need for pro bono legal representation. Whether it is a family fighting an eviction in a difficult rental market, a victim of domestic violence filing for a restraining order, or a recent immigrant applying for asylum, opportunities for limited scope or full scope representation are not hard to come by. The need is acute and there is no better time to take on this work, particularly if you feel passionate about access to justice in our society.

In particular, immigration cases represent an area of immense need for those who have capacity. Volunteers can take on limited scope cases for immigrants who have expressed fear of return to their homeland and need representation in interviews before immigration authorities. Other opportunities include representing asylum seekers who are detained and helping them not only get out of custody, but win the right to remain here in the United States. For attorneys who are not often in court, or who have never worked with a client in detention, the opportunity is both educational and rewarding.

Not only do you get to assist a client in a difficult situation, but you understand the nuances of asylum and refugee law, international law, and how they factor into the U.S. immigration laws. You can get the chance to represent a client in what amounts to a sort of mini-trial in an immigration court. For attorneys who are not often in court the experience can be both challenging and stimulating, and give them a break from their general practice areas. And don't worry, immigration judges are often much more patient and lenient with pro bono attorneys.

Such cases also provide you the opportunity to research and understand the complex conditions of a foreign country as well as your client's story and hardships they endured. It is difficult to understate just how inspiring it can be to help an asylum applicant tell their story and ultimately win their case. The experience is incredibly emotional and rewarding and provides you with a fresh perspective on the power of advocacy and the importance of your contribution. It can also make a huge difference for that client, particularly when access to counsel remains one of the largest indicators of victory in a detained asylum case.

As a solo practitioner myself, I have often hesitated to take on pro bono cases, whether it was because I felt like I did not have enough time, or because I was unsure if I was prepared to learn a new area of the law. Yet time and time again I have been reminded of just how rewarding and stimulating the experience can be, and just how much of an impact my work can have on someone else's life.

Attorneys are often overly cautious about trying new things, but it is always a good time to do pro bono work. If you standing on the edge of such decision, don't over think it, jump into the new experience and take it on so long as you have mentorship and guidance, you will be fine. So as this holiday season, it is important to remember the immense privilege and opportunities we have as attorneys, and as you enjoy the holiday cheer, don't be afraid to take on just a little bit of extra pro bono work, it will be good for you, your client and our society as a whole.