“I just don’t feel confident about this area of law.”
“I’m afraid I’ll do more harm than good.”
“I’m interested in learning a new area of law, but would like to be able to talk to someone about the case I take.”
Attorneys interested in assisting pro bono clients often say these words. Helping a low-income person with a legal matter may require stepping into an area outside of an attorney’s comfort zone.
It’s important to note, however, there are many support resources in place for willing pro bono attorneys. Access to Westlaw, CLE webinars on the topic, professional liability insurance coverage and expert resources are a few examples.
Sometimes, it’s access to an expert resource attorney that makes the difference as to whether the new pro bono attorney accepts the case.
Sometimes, it’s just knowing someone is there to field substantive questions, review a petition or advise on what to expect at the hearing that assures the attorney that guidance is available.
Expert resource attorneys choose their preferred method of communicating with the pro bono attorney: phone, email or in person. Some do all three.
The expert isn’t asked to teach the attorney how to handle the case from start to finish. As attorneys, we’re taught to be problem-solvers and to research issues with which we’re unfamiliar.
Rather, the expert resource provides confirmation and feedback. He or she may share document templates or insights on possible case strategies.
Some new pro bono attorneys describe their expert resources as a “safety net” to confer with as the need arises, and not as someone who dictates procedure and means for every step of a case.
Some attorneys have served as expert resources for pro bono attorneys and others have made themselves available for legal services staff attorneys.
Their willingness to serve as a sounding board and guide have many times been the reason a client gets the help he/she needs. In a very real sense, expert resource attorneys increase access to justice for low-income people.
Sincere appreciation is extended to: Alessandro Apolito, Matthew Jackson, David Barksdale, Becky Barlow, Faye Bennett, Erik Berger, Laura Boeckman, Marla Buchanan, Rebecca Caballero, Jean Coker, Susannah Collins, Ham Cooke, Bruce Duggar, Jessica Dumas, Hollyn Foster, Imani Boykin, Bill Gallogly, Leslie Goller, Aaron Irving, Ed Jackson, Preston Oughton, Jacob Peek, Jan McCormick, Rusty Mead, Katherine Naugle, Krista Parry, Beverly Pasco, Ned Price, Kitty Robbie, Judi Setzer, Jennifer Singh, Rick Stockton and Paul Regensdorf.
There are many opportunities for pro bono involvement throughout the 4th Circuit and beyond. Attorneys interested in an overview of the needs and ways that pro bono participation can fill those needs are also encouraged to contact Para.
Attorneys interested in serving as an expert resource for another pro bono attorney are encouraged to contact Para at [email protected].