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BLOG / 07.19.24 /Ilene H. Guralnick

Giving Back Can Be Rewarding – Professionally and Personally

Written by Ilene H. Guralnick

Being a lawyer is rewarding in and of itself, but many attorneys find themselves wondering what they can do to give back to the communities in which they live and work. One way to make a positive impact is to offer your services pro bono.

Working pro bono can be transformative.

Pro bono work can foster a sense of personal fulfillment that goes well beyond the pursuit of billable hours. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of legal advocacy, and to narrow the justice gap by providing counsel to individuals who lack access to quality legal services.

In addition, participating in pro bono work often leads to collaboration with other legal professionals and community leaders. These connections can expand your professional network and offer the chance to meet people who may one day need your services.

Attorneys looking to give back have a variety of opportunities.

Communities often have legal volunteer organizations in need of free services, and many larger cities have pro bono organizations that align with specific interests and skillsets, such as housing, immigration, criminal and family law. A good place to start is with your local bar association. These organizations often have dedicated pro bono programs or committees that connect attorneys with opportunities suited to their expertise.

I have been a volunteer with the New York City Bar Association and the Brooklyn Bar Association for nearly 30 years. The New York City Bar Legal Referral Service (LRS) requires attorneys to meet or exceed high standards of experience and qualifications, and demonstrate a commitment to doing the work. Once approved to serve on a panel, you are notified about each client referral. Initial consultations last for up to 30 minutes and the fee is $35 or free, depending on the type of case. Additional fees are negotiated if you and the client continue to work together.

The Brooklyn Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service is similar, and focuses on referrals to attorneys in the five Boroughs of New York as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. The maximum client consultation fee is $25.

Volunteer attorneys are always in demand.

I have been fortunate in my career to represent thousands of clients throughout New York State in all matters involving Real Estate – from representation of cooperative housing corporations, condominium boards, and middle and low-income tenant associations to commercial and residential leasing matters and code enforcement proceedings.

With the current state of the housing market, these are skills people need. In a given week, I may get a call from a couple who received a mortgage foreclosure notice and wants to know how it affects them; a landlord who needs help understanding recent changes in the law; and someone standing outside a courthouse who has been illegally evicted.

Being able to use my experience to make a positive difference in other people’s lives has been immensely rewarding. And the demand for volunteer attorneys is greater than ever. I encourage you to reach out to your local bar association or visit their website to explore available programs.