Hon. William L. Dwyer
Fmr. U.S. District Court Judge, Western District of Washington
Co-founder, Seattle Volunteer Legal Services Program
How much of a difference can a single attorney make? What can pro bono service
mean to society in general, and to the volunteer lawyer in particular? One judge
has explained the impact of pro bono as a "triple win":
A win for the client
"Pro bono alone can't fill the entire need, but it
can make a tremendous difference. The client ordinarily would go without legal
help if it were not provided free of charge."
"In my experience, the gratitude felt by those who receive pro bono legal
help is almost boundless."
A win for society
"When the un-represented or under-represented gain
legal assistance, it is not just they, but all of us -- all citizens, and the
entire legal system -- who benefit."
"To the extent that access to justice is denied to any segment of society
because of unequal wealth, we all suffer, because we know that life is only
good in a society where justice is available to everyone, not just to a privileged
few."
A win for the volunteer lawyer
"[Pro bono], it seems to me, is not a sideline, but
is at the heart of our calling."
"Pro bono cases are fun -- they often form the most interesting, exciting,
and memorable parts of a legal career."
"Deborah Rhode, in her excellent...book on the legal profession, writes,
'The greatest source of discontent among today's lawyers is their perceived
lack of contribution to social justice.' That feeling can easily be dispelled
by pro bono."
