If your "law business" (caseload) is currently slow due to the downturn in the economy, rather than spending time complaining, why not do something that you may have been unable to do previously when you were too busy - - pro bono work !
Pro bono work is a real "win-win" situation. It is a "win" for the recipient individual or organization to which you give your time and attention; and, it will be a "win" for you, because it will make you feel good about yourself (which is particularly important in these difficult economic times).
As stated in an article written by Derek Whitefield, Jon Canter and Joel Covelman in the Los Angeles Daily Journal on December 22, 2008, entitled "Pro Bon Work is a Gift All Attorneys Should Be Giving," the practice of law is a privilege that carries with it profound social responsibilities. They assert that every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide free legal services to impoverished individuals and organizations. They believe that attorneys are blessed with a unique education and benefits not available to all of our neighbors, and it is incumbent upon us to use our skills to help those less fortunate.
As lawyers, we need to be leaders and focus on how we can make a difference in the communities where we live and work.
The American Bar Association's ethical rules recommend that lawyers contribute at least 50 hours of pro bono service per year.
There is no question that we, as lawyers, have the ability to change lives, to better our communities and to give back where we have been blessed.
So, if you currently find that things are slow at the office, now may be the perfect time to "give of yourself" to help others. Those "others" will benefit from your doing so and, equally as important, so will you.
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