by Kim Russell

Created on: November 04, 2009

Of course lawyers should be required to provide pro bono services. We live in a community that is dependent on the kindness of others; a type of community that will fail if every member, no matter how educated or uneducated, does not participate in supporting those in need.

This type of giving back to our community is not limited to lawyers, or even to professionals in general. This type of giving back to our community is absolutely essential if we are to survive. Even the most economically challenged person has resources to help out those in need around him or her. Neighbors babysit for one another. Teachers help others in a pinch over the phone late at night. The person standing in line for groceries provides the quarter that the person in front of them is lacking. The check out person offers advise on the best priced local eatery. We all do what we can when we have the opportunity. It is human nature.

Due to insurance contracts with health care providers, doctors and hospitals are forced to work "pro bono," if you want to call it that. For instance, my surgeon charged $3000 for his services; but, because of his contract with my insurance company, he wrote off $2700, receiving a mere $300 for a surgery that substantially improved my quality of life.

I am so proud to practice within the community of professionals in my area. They do so much pro bono work. But, unfortunately, it is not necessarily work that is recorded as pro bono. Members of our local bar are more likely to take pro bono work "on the fly;" meaning that they will give advice or appear in court for someone while waiting in the courthouse hallway for their "paid" case to be heard. No need to go file all the paperwork and prove that the need is there. Most of us can tell when someone is truly in need.

Just yesterday for instance, I happened upon a young lady in the midst of a divorce who has a 2-year-old son who has no immune system. Out of necessity she cannot work because of the high level of care his condition demands, and because of the danger to him if she comes and goes too often, bringing him various germs from the outside world. She had talked to legal aid about representation but they had to refuse because their grant money currently only allows them to represent domestic violence victims. With one phone call, a local attorney showed up within 30 minutes, collected her information, was able to calm her down about being able to immediately get some financial support not only from the employed father, but also from other resources. She called today to say that her son has an appointment at St. Jude's Hospital in December - all because an attorney had the decency to respond to someone in crisis.

Attorneys get a bad rap. And some deservedly so. But the next time you come across an attorney who appears to make a rather decent living, consider how much of their time they spend assisting others without the benefit of monetary gain. Even go so far as to inquire of them about it. They may be too proud to tell you, but if they do, I think you will be moved by their stories. Attorneys see too much sadness, chaos and trauma not to respond in their own small way with kindness when given the opportunity at the right time. Although it sounds like a bumper sticker, I have to end by saying, all attorneys are not created equal. Give an attorney a chance.

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