Pro bono, pro publico, pro patria
Article Abstract:
The legal profession should shoulder its social responsibility by mandating pro bono programs in law schools and requiring a certain amount of pro bono service for admission to the bar. Requiring public service of law students is a good idea because this practice would instill a commitment to serve society at the outset of a lawyer's professional life. The ABA Standing Committee on Lawyers' Public Service has approved an amendment recommending that lawyers complete a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono service annually. States should adopt this provision as part of their codes.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1993
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Obligatory pro bono solves nothing
Article Abstract:
A political solution is the best answer for cutbacks in legal aid. Proposed taxes on legal services and mandatory pro bono are only patchwork measures which detract attention from the basic problem of increasing legal access for the poor. Proponents of the patchwork measures claim that attorney monopoly on legal services leads to higher fees paid by the general public, but this is an argument for deregulating professional licensing rather than for additional taxes. Cutbacks in legal aid result from politicians' decisions rather than lawyers' monopoly on legal services.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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Like doctors, lawyers should serve residencies
Article Abstract:
The American law school curriculum has inadequate training for law students and both schools and the profession have inadequate pro bono programs. Skills training and adequately supervised pro bono service in the third year of law school would solve both of these problems. This third year could be managed like medical school internship and residency, with law students rotating among various specialties. Such a program would have the end result of inculcating a dedication to pro bono service and making mentoring a part of legal training.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1996
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