Part V in my 7-part series is Pro Bono work.

I, like most junior associates, took on a pro bono client early in my law-firm career.  I took my first pro bono client/project based on typical factors: 1- a partner asked me to do it and 2- well, there is no second reason. 

Now, with a little bit of experience and having had the chance to work on a number of pro bono matters, I realize the networking and business development opportunity presented by carefully-chosen pro bono work.  At the outset I want to clarify that pro bono work is our professional responsibilty.  We do it to give access to the justice system to those that can't afford it otherwise.  However, for corporate lawyers particularly, there is a great side benefit of working for non-profit organizations and that benefit is networking.

Many non-profits have boards of directors that are made up of local business leaders and other well-connected folks.  Doing legal work for these organizations is a great way to meet these people, attend events and, if you do a good job, get recognition by people of influence in your community.

My advice for junior corporate associates is to watch for opportunites to do pro bono work for nonprofits that have as many of the following characteristics as possible:

• local
• well-established with a good reputation
• being started by established and successful local individuals
• attractive to your firm's core client base
• a worthwhile cause and/or one that is important to you and/or your firm
• an organization that you will be able to recruit others at your firm to assist with; you'll need someone to supervise your work but also allow you to shine in front of the client

Now, the most important part of the plan -- do good work.  Give the client plenty of attention and always put your best foot forward.  When you meet anyone associated with the nonprofit treat them as if they were the CEO of a potential client of the firm -- they likely are or are a person that jas the ears of these sorts of people.  The best part of pro bono work (vs. your typical clients' work) is that junior associates are often given a lot of responsibility and client contact -- hence the opportunity for you to network!

Do not actively push business development at the non-profit's meetings or events.  You are there as a service provider for the organization.  With that said, always take business cards and make sure that you acknowledge that it is your firm that is contributing the pro bono legal work. 

 I spend an average of 15 hours per month (sometimes more, sometimes less) on this aspect of my networking plan but... nearly all of it is billable.