Judges share a duty to ensure that justice is available to all citizens with
legal problems -- even to those citizens who lack the means to hire counsel.
While many judges have been instrumental in supporting pro bono programs around
the state, more bench involvement is necessary.
Members of the judiciary are exceptionally well-positioned to encourage attorneys
to live up to their ethical obligation to do pro bono work. Judges are able
to set a tone within the legal profession that pro bono is a central part of
fulfilling the promise of justice for all.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of ways in which judges can contribute
to the delivery of pro bono services:
- send recruitment letters to lawyers who are not active in organized pro
bono
- send 'thank you' notes to lawyers who regularly volunteer
- write for/to newspapers, magazines, or bar publications about the need for
volunteer lawyers and about the contributions that volunteer lawyers make
to their communities through the judicial system
- participate in CLE seminars for pro bono lawyers
- sponsor judicial resolutions supporting pro bono lawyers
- include references to the importance of pro bono in speeches to lawyers, new
bar members, community groups, etc.
- lend one's name and presence to pro bono awards/recognition ceremonies
serve on a pro bono program's advisory board
- provide scheduling flexibility and adopt calendar preferences for pro bono
lawyers
- express the court's appreciation to lawyers who make pro bono appearances,
