Study Shows that More Lawyers Represent Pro Bono

The American Bar Association recently reported that the number of lawyers who do work for free, or pro bono, has risen from 66 percent in 2005 to 73 percent, this year. The organization also looked into the firms that are more likely to do work for free. This is a summary of their findings:

• The average attorney’s hours spend doing pro bono work has risen from 39 to 41 hours in the last 3 years.
• 81 percent of private practices do pro bono work, compared to 43 percent of corporate counsel and 30 percent of government lawyers.
• 90 percent of minority practices volunteered their time, versus 80 percent of white firms.

For this study, over 1,100 lawyers nationwide were surveyed. The findings were collected and published in 2008. The American Bar Association has said that it is pleased with the amount of pro bono work that its members are performing. It has asked that other legal groups do their part to honor lawyers who represent poorer members of society for free.

For more information about pro bono cases and how to approach a lawyer with a proposal for a pro bono appeal, speak to one of your local lawyers today!