Benefits of Pro Bono Work

The vast majority of legal non profit jobs are found inlots of non profit job postings on employment
public interest and government sectors. Within thewebsites. Non profit sector contributes $25.8 billion into
public interest sector, the issues one can focus onthis state's economy each year. This sector provides
spread out in a broad spectrum. It contains lobbying,three times more jobs than the information industries
litigating, working in a big city to a remote regionand transportation sector and fifteen times more than
abroad, hands-on work and protecting civil libertiesutilities industry for the state of California.
through appellate advocacy. One can find tremendousNon profit Staffing:
work opportunities here. Many public interest lawyersNon profit worker's average weekly wages are $593
work with civil legal services organizations and providewhich is 4% less from workers in business sector and
free representation to clients on non-criminal matters,local government, and 11% less than state government.
family law, employment, disability issues, housing, elderThese averages show significant variations for
law, homelessness, etc. Public defenders provide freedifferent fields. Attorneys have an ethical obligation in
representation to those accused of a crime andsome states to provide pro bono assistance to people
unable to afford legal counsel. Many legal non profitin need of legal services which they can't afford.
jobs are focused on specific legal issues and this canAccording to the ABA Model Rules of Professional
be done via direct representation of clients, throughConduct, a lawyer should aspire to render at least 50
policy work and lobbying, or a mix of both. Many publichours of pro bono public legal services per year. And
interest advocates work on a range of internationalAmericans do get free legal help for which they are
issues.eligible. Supporters of pro bono service generally focus
Share of Legal non profit jobs in Economy:on the compelling need for such assistance.
In North Carolina alone, non profit sector contributesCompanies send their associates for non profit
213,000 jobs which is 6% of the total jobs. Out of thisadvocacy because it is an inexpensive and efficient
3% provide scientific, professional, and technicalway to professionally develop them.
services, like research and legal services. There are