Public Interest Law and the Recession
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2009-09-24/public-interest-law-and-recession
It's the best of times and the worst of times for the public interest legal community. Budget crunches at top tier law firms have redirected many talented young lawyers to opportunities in the pro-bono and non-profit communities. But some are worried this trend is hurting the prospects of lawyers committed to careers in that arena. We explore how trends in the legal industry are affecting public interest law.
Guests
Jonathan Smith
Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Paul Igasaki
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Equal Justice Works
Susan Hoffman
Partner, Crowell & Moring
Matthew Pascocello
Assistant Director, Office of Career and Professional Development, American University's Washington College of Law
Comments
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It's great that you are again covering issues related to legal aid and pro bono legal services.As staff at an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice, Pro Bono Net (http://www.probono.net), I appreciate the time and attention that you give to these issues.
For the many people looking for legal assistance, I would encourage you to let people know that they can go to LawHelp.org (http://www.lawhelp.org) to find legal information, referrals, and community resources for their area. These web sites, supported by funding from the Legal Services Corporation, are offered to the public through partnerships among local legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, courts, and others.
Similarly, attorneys who are looking for pro bono opportunities can turn to the National Pro Bono Opportunities Guide (http://www.probono.net/oppsguide/), a joint project of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, its project the ABA Center for Pro Bono, Pro Bono Net, and contributing partners. Most states and the District have also developed web sites to support attorneys who take pro bono cases. A list of many of those sites is available on the left side of http://www.probono.net/. - K
What happens after deferred associates head back to Big Law Firm? Do you have to train more temporary attorneys?