The Costs of Doing Pro Bono Work

Pro bono work, or providing free legal services to low-income individuals or nonprofit organizations, can come with some costs. These may include:

1. Time: Pro bono work can require a significant amount of time, which can take away from billable hours and potentially impact the bottom line.
2. Staffing: Pro bono work may require additional staff or resources to handle the increased workload.
3. Travel: If the pro bono work involves traveling, expenses for transportation and lodging may be incurred.
4. Training: Attorneys may need additional training or continuing education to handle pro bono cases.
5. Office expenses: Pro bono work may also require additional office expenses such as office supplies or technology.
6. Insurance: Some firms may have to purchase additional insurance coverage to protect themselves from potential liability.

It’s important to keep in mind that pro bono work can be costly but it also can be beneficial to the firm in terms of reputation, training and marketing. It can bring recognition, reputation, and positive public relations that can help attract new clients in the future. It is also important to find ways to balance pro bono work with billable hours to ensure the financial stability of the firm.

Let’s break down an example for a Personal Injury Case – 

How long do personal injury cases that are pro bono take?

The length of a personal injury case that is handled pro bono can vary depending on a number of factors such as the complexity of the case, the availability of the parties involved and the court schedule. Personal injury cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve.

What are some of the costs associated with handling a case like this pro bono?

Some of the costs associated with handling a personal injury case pro bono may include:

1. Time: The attorney handling the case will need to invest a significant amount of time to research the facts, interview witnesses, and build a case.
2. Staffing: The attorney may need to hire additional staff or investigators to help with the case.
3. Travel: The attorney may need to travel to meet with clients, witnesses, or to attend court hearings.
4. Expert Witnesses: Some personal injury cases may require the testimony of expert witnesses, which can be costly.
5. Court Fees: There may be court fees associated with filing a personal injury case, which may need to be paid by the attorney.
6. Office Expenses: There may be additional office expenses such as copying and mailing costs.

It’s important to note that pro bono work can be challenging but it can also bring a sense of satisfaction and the opportunity to help someone in need. It’s important to find ways to balance pro bono work with billable hours in order to ensure the financial stability of the firm. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with the case before taking it pro bono, to ensure that the firm can cover the expenses.