Our recent discussion on Best Practices in Pro Bono: Keeping the Commitment: Structures to Make Full Representation Work for Everyone brought together leaders from across the legal services, corporate, and law firm communities to explore how to make sustained, high-quality representation both achievable and rewarding for volunteers. Panelists included representatives from law firms, corporate legal nonprofit, and legal services organizations, each offering insights into what it takes to provide full representation—from the first client meeting to case resolution.

Defining Full Representation
Full representation means taking on a client’s legal matter from beginning to end—not every related issue that arises, and not necessarily any appeals, but seeing one core legal problem through to completion. It’s a model that can deeply benefit clients, but it also raises challenges for attorneys balancing time, expertise, and confidence in unfamiliar areas of law.

Breaking Down Barriers Through Mentorship and Teamwork
A common challenge identified by legal services providers is attorney hesitation to take cases outside their usual practice area. To address this, many organizations pair pro bono volunteers with experienced mentors or supervising attorneys who can guide them through the process. Paralegals and non-attorney staff also play a key role—handling forms, following up with clients, and ensuring cases move forward smoothly.

Panelists emphasized that continuity is essential to a positive experience for both client and counsel. Mentorship, team-based models, and clear division of labor all help prevent volunteers from feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

The Power of Teams and Cohorts
Corporate pro bono representatives highlighted the added complexity of involving in-house counsel, many of whom face local licensing restrictions. To overcome this, they encourage teamwork between in-house and locally licensed attorneys, and advocate for pro bono rules that expand participation. The “cohort” or “workshop” model—where several volunteers begin their cases together, train as a group, and meet regularly to share updates—was praised for providing peer support and maintaining case continuity.

Building Strong Structures and Culture
Law firm pro bono partners discussed how internal structures can either expand or limit a firm’s overall pro bono capacity. While some partners personally take on matters, others are shifting toward empowering practice groups to form their own pro bono teams, helping build deeper relationships with legal services organizations.

The conversation also touched on sustainability: what happens when a “pro bono superstar” leaves a firm, and how to prevent “ghosting” a case. Clear communication, transition planning, and a shared sense of ownership across teams help ensure clients are never left without support.

Cultivating a Culture of Commitment
Panelists shared creative strategies for fostering a pro bono mindset early. Some firms introduce pro bono work during summer associate programs, with mandatory participation that carries into full-time practice. Others use surveys or one-on-one conversations to match volunteers with cases that align with their skills and interests. Across the board, panelists agreed—pro bono should not wait for the “right time.” Engagement begins with culture, mentorship, and a clear sense of purpose.

Final Takeaway: Continuity and Community
Whether through mentorship programs, team-based representation, or structured cohorts, the key to successful full representation lies in continuity and collaboration. As one panelist noted, it’s important to normalize that not every case will go perfectly—but each is an opportunity to learn, grow, and serve clients who need support navigating complex civil legal challenges.