Best Practices in Pro Bono: Preparing to Launch Careers with Purpose: New Associates as Drivers of Pro Bono Engagement
The Fall marks an important time of transition for the pro bono community as new law firm associates start, recent grads begin fellowships, and the community kicks off and celebrates pro bono with many events. This Best Practices conversation will discuss how our community can intentionally welcome and engage incoming associates while building momentum for new pro bono activity and reinvigorating existing projects.
The conversation will focus on how law firms and legal services alike can prepare to leverage the energy, expertise, and time of new associates and fellows. We will explore practical approaches to orientation, including trainings, case introductions, and how the arrival of new associates can strengthen the overall pro bono pipeline. What cases should be ready for assignment? What projects are best suited for newer attorneys? How can we create opportunities that provide meaningful assistance while also helping associates develop their skills and build connections within the pro bono community?
In addition, Best Practices will aim to provide a space for collective strategic planning. Rather than responding to opportunities or developing practices individually, as a pro bono community, we can develop thoughtful plans together for the fall. By sharing information about firm calendars, trainings, litigation schedules, holidays, and other periods of limited capacity, we can coordinate more effectively and avoid unnecessary redundancies. As a community, we can prepare to connect incoming associates with pressing community needs and create pathways for sustained participation.
Our conversation will be led by Andrea Mangones, Director of Professional Skills Support at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. Our panelists include:
- Jennifer Grishkin, Managing Attorney for Pro Bono Coordination, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
- Erin Mee, Senior Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, National Veterans Legal Services Program
- Gwen Washington, Pro Bono Counsel, Cleary Gottlieb
- Danielle Moise, Pro Bono Attorney, Covington
- Sharmaine Heng, Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact, Nixon Peabody
Together, let’s turn the arrival of new associates into a catalyst for renewed pro bono energy, stronger partnerships, and meaningful work throughout the fall.