Working with Pro-Bono Counsel at Private Law Firms

One possible solution to the problem of under-funding for public interest work is to partner with pro bono counsel at private law firms. Most law firms have designated a point person to select and coordinate the firm's pro bono projects. Pro bono counsel may serve as a great initial contact for any advocacy that focuses on increasing funding for public interest work because of their access to firm funding and their involvement in agenda-setting for the firm's pro bono projects. For example, one possible project could involve reaching out to various pro bono counsel across the country to see if they would be interested in forming a consortium to fund public interest projects and/or public interest fellowships. The incentive for these firms to participate centers on RebLaw's role in recruiting students to submit projects or finding public interest organizations in need of legal assistance. In short, RebLaw could find the people and projects to fund and the consortium could secure the funding. Such a partnership would reduce the amount of work on the firm's end and of course raise additional funds for meaningful public interest work.