is it a red flag to you if your decently sized mid law firm has never once mentioned pro bono opportunities?

we don’t have any kind of diversity initiative either and obviously i know how i feel about THAT. but was wondering how weird this part of it is.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I don’t think so. I’m at a mid-size firm & the responsibility to find pro bono opportunities has always been on the attorney. The firm does have a relationship with one local non-profit, which sometimes results in some pro bono work, but otherwise the attorneys find our own opportunities through the state/local bar or through word of mouth. The firm never really mentions it. I guess I always assumed that was true at all firms - but maybe I’m wrong!

like

No red flag. Most lawyers where I work have a particular pro bono program they are in, which is listed in their bio section. I’d check there before concluding that the firm attorneys aren’t involved in pro bono work. But even then, I’ve helped on tasks pro bono that no one publicized. Some firms are just showier and louder than others about pro bono.

like

Hmmm who knows! I’d go with your gut feel of whether the firm would be a good fit for you.

like

Depends, but in my experience firms only tout Pro Bono if they think clients will care. Our clients are corps that don't care, so we don't publicize our pro bono work but instead publicize all about our industry connections.

like

that’s an interesting thought. we work for insurers and big corps that don’t care lol so that might be why

I work for a big insurance defense firm and they prioritize And let your pro Bono count as billables. They are extremely passionate about immigration removal proceedings for children and partner with an organization

like

If you ever want to bring it to your firm, look into safe passage way. You don’t need to have a background or any knowledge of immigration law. Counsel for the organization hold your hand through it: you’re doing extremely meaningful work and keeping these literally children here vs standing in front of a judge alone where they have a 10% chance of somehow staying without representation

Those things are both very important to me, so I wouldn’t have an interest in working at place that didn’t do that type of stuff but resources can be very different at mid size firms. If it’s important to you and you think the firm would be receptive, maybe pitch some ideas for programs. It may not be that the firm doesn’t care about those things. Maybe there just hasn’t been someone who has taken the initiative to build up those programs.

With respect to pro bono, that’s always something you can do on your own. But you’ll likely need firm approval/support.

I don’t think it’s necessarily a red flag but if those things are important to you, maybe look into ways you can change it. If you think the firm wouldn’t support your interest in those initiatives, then that might be a red flag.

I’m sorry to hear that. My firm strongly encourages pro bono work and you get up to 100 hours of it counted towards your billable requirement. They also have a robust diversity initiative both in terms of summer associates and lateral attorneys. I worked at an insurance defense firm previously and they also had these types of programs. They didn’t do as much as they could have in my opinion but they at least put in some effort. It takes a lot of time and effort to maintain these programs but it’s so worth it and I’d be very disappointed to be at a firm that didn’t show an interest in those things. Are you happy there otherwise?

Related Posts

How often is it that a contract position within pharma leads to a full- time role? Has anyone been in a contract position? Would like to know more about the pros and cons of it

like

Would you quit MBB for FAANG PM? In North America.

like

What is role of Agile COE in Wipro. How this COE works in Wipro?
It it worth to join Scrum Master in Wipro.?
Any onsite / Promotion Opportunities for ScrumMaster

like

Currently Audit senior 2 looking to transfer to advisory. Exploring some internal advisory roles as well as external roles with mid sized firms - looking for advice on Big 4 advisory vs. with a mid sized firm? Personally I feel like I would get more exposure to different projects/clients at a mid sized firm, where at big 4 would prob be pigeoned holed in a specific niche sector/industry with little flexibility to try other things. TIA

like

Offers in Finance Transformation with Deloitte VS PI- Finance with EY, SC level, almost the same pay n benefits. Thoughts on which one to pursue? Thanks 🙏

like

PMP - looking for the best PMP certification course? I have add so I’ve tried online but I’m still fairly distracted. I’d like to wrap this up by the end of the year, so any help is greatly appreciated!

like

CAIA or CMT?

I do institutional sales for an asset manager. Am graduating in the fall with an MBA from a top 40 school. Would like a designation but dont want to do the CFA.  Between the CAIA and CMT: which one is more applicable to asset management, and better status/recognition? appreciate any insight

like

Anyone tried the new Sanctions Certificate (CGSS) offered by ACAMS? Trying to see how difficult it is considering I don't have a lot of experience with sanctions compliance. I have CAMS & work in AML

like

any tips for making the jump go in-house? i don’t really care for what industry it is in i am just sick of the rat race that is advertising and i want to work to live and not live to work

likesmart

Who has started a side hustle that they plan on making their long-term career as an exit move? How do you manage both your role and that as you get started?

likesmart

What are the top places to be an SE in terms of comp, w/l balance and career growth?

like

What does an IC6 role at Facebook align to in consulting? Manager??

like

Hi All!
Any recommendations on practice tests, chapter reviews for the PM cert?
Thanks in advance!

likehelpful

I am a project manager with the strong desire to transition into product management but I’m feeling a little discouraged. Every opportunity I come across mentions 7-10 years experience. I just started training for the Google UX certification with hopes that may better prepare me. Any other suggestions? Words of advice on how to best make this transition?

Thanks in advance!

like

As an outsider, I’m curious if anyone here could list some of the top architecture firms are and what the title / comp progression might look like?

like

Can anyone suggest skills or credible certification to do for joining as product manager in IT firms

like

AA looking for a project coordinator role. Any advice for making the jump?

like

Hello 🐠fam! Making a career transition where excellent communication via writing can be of paramount importance. Think of it as writing for large audiences.

Would like to invest in my writing skills as much as possible. Any suggestions on classes / tutors / books / workshops / techniques / or anything else that may help?

That’s be highly appreciated.

like

Is this a good time to switch to Strategy& ? Hearing about recent layoffs at Strategy& and partner vesting in May'18. Currently a Manager at Deloitte & offered Engagement Manager at Strategy&.

like

Currently Talenttree doesn’t have opportunity based on my profile

Help me to choose among following options:

1. How long do I need to wait for the matching profile meanwhile continue doing 201 certifications?

2. Should I resign or no need to because bench period early release might be negotiable?

like

More Posts

Is AVP title in Wells Fargo equivalent to Senior Software Engineer ?

Hi! I just got converted to full time as a intern, and received this email about 401k which I don’t quite understand. Does the 3% means the match that company gives to me for free? So I don’t have to contribute anything to my 401k while getting free 3% match money? Thank you!!

Post Photo

Is it unethical as realtors working in an office to block chunks of time off for personal reasons? Some of my coworkers stay in their desks for up to 10 hours, but I've taken up the habit of blocking at least 1 hour daily for lunch, breaks, and other issues that may arise. Do you do this as well or do you prefer to work straight through your day?

like

Especially on weekends 😅

Post Photo
funnylike

Hey Fishesh,

Looking for python developer. YOE 4.6 years
skills - python, django, aws lambda, s3, postgresql
location- Pune

Thanks in advance

like

First time sending kid to school. She’s pre-k4 and the school nurse just called and said her nose is running but she has no fever and seems fine. Should I go pick her up? Just not sure what the norm is. TIA.

like

Is it wise to quit TCS and join EY GDS? How’s the experience in EY GDS Kolkata?

like

Ok. Someone studied at Stanford and Yale at the same time.

Post Photo
likefunny

“The realization that you can meet someone and it can just feel easy and not like work is amazing” —Rupam, Indian Matchmaking

likeuplifting

For those that manage interns- How do you do it without losing your mind? I keep telling these interns the same critiques over and over and every new project has they show me has same fundamental design issues. H E L P 😩

like

Can anybody help me to know What will be the approx monthly take home salary if fixed component is 20.4 lakhs per anum?

like

Planning a trip to Australia for ~1 month in July 2023. (I know it’s winter but don’t have flexibility with dates.) I have never been before. Besides Sydney + Great Barrier Reef, what are some cool things you guys have done? Is Tasmania worth it? Thanks for any/all recs.

I have a zoom interview for a flight attendant position with southwest and advise would be greatly appreciated.

like

Which job would pay more in the future? Business Intelligence or Proposal Writing? I am a government contractor so you know what sector in.

like

My boyfriend and I make 200K combined and live in NJ. We have $1000 in monthly car payments combined. That’s all we owe. Our credit scores are in the 800s. We have 50K to put down on a home. We have done the math and I know we can afford much more but he doesn’t want to buy more than a 400K home. I’m almost positive we can afford 500K and be more than ok. But then he starts to talk about how much kids cost and how we will be house poor and we won’t be able to afford kids. 🤔 Am I insane??

like

Current market rate for Sr. Product Marketers?
I'm in several later stage interviews for Sr PMM roles at Series D companies and am trying to gauge what comp I should be asking for.
- Can anyone share their comp (base, bonus rsu's)?
- how do you account for RSUs for pre ipo companies? Just consider it as $0 until ipo?

like

any tips for making the jump go in-house? i don’t really care for what industry it is in i am just sick of the rat race that is advertising and i want to work to live and not live to work

likesmart

Jnr Art Director in Melbourne, Australia
www.tobiasmcc.cargo.site

Recently laidoff and absolutely hungry for new new opportunities

like

Who has started a side hustle that they plan on making their long-term career as an exit move? How do you manage both your role and that as you get started?

likesmart

anyone know who created Palantir's website?

like

Additional Posts in Women in Law

I’ve been asked to weigh in on how to improve my firms parental leave policy. It’s currently 8 weeks paid for birth parent with an extra week for each year at the firm (up to 12 weeks total) and 2 weeks paid for non-birth parent. I’m in a major city, firm is a boutique that has been around a very long time. What would you suggest? Any studies or research you’ve seen recently on trends in parental leave policies also helpful. I’d like to have some sort of data to back up what I recommend. TIA!

like

Question for moms. I’m getting married next year and have several close family members that will have babies ages 8-11 months old by then. What are some ways I can support the moms and make it an enjoyable experience for them? We have a separate room at the venue that I was thinking could be offered to the parents to use, or potentially hiring a babysitter for them (either at the venue or back at the hotel). I would love for the families to be able to come, as it is out of town.

like

Annual review advice?
I feel very secure in my long-term employment and am doing very well. I work at a midsized boutique with a generally solid culture. I’ve been described as “rising star/golden child” etc., glowing reviews. The thing is that I’ve had a tough year with absent mentors, low interaction/training (there are extenuating circumstances with my SA.) Do I mention what changes I need to see to stay here? Or just go along, accept my good reviews and bonus, and keep my head down?

like

Just had a senior associate call me and interrogate me on how exactly my outlook was crashing because he wouldn’t believe me when I said that that was the reason I wasn’t being able to get an email out. It’s these kinds of micro aggressions that make the job so unpleasant.

like

Got laid off due to Covid in July. I have been searching for a job for three weeks. Diligently looking and applying. I keep getting rejection letters and Linkedin resume views, but no offers. Not even a single interview. My resume looks great and experience is amazing. Anyone else in the same boat? Misery needs company 😝

like

Favorite go-to brands for summer blouses. Prefer button ups or simple blouses. Brand recs for the sweaty chic chick??

like

Question for a crowd with good negotiation skills...my sibling is marrying someone of a different faith. My mom is freaking out and doesn’t want to go to the wedding. How can I resolve this?

Has anyone experienced “bullying” or shaming by fellow female colleagues? Sometimes feels as though women are more critical of other women than male colleagues...

likehelpful

Anyone know how to get expedited shipping on the Nordstrom website?

like

Sick to my stomach thinking all of the things I have to do, some of which is my own fault for mildly procrastinating. Any tips on productivity is greatly appreciated! I feel like I work all day, but my billing doesn’t reflect that.

like

If anyone here is in Maryland or has the Maryland bar and would like to consider a new opportunity, I'm working with a 50 attorney firm started by refugees from biglaw. They are looking for a real estate transactional attorney, an estate planning attorney, a tax attorney, and a corporate attorney. Feel free to reach out if you would like to hear about it.

like

Has anyone used a surrogate? If yes, how did you find them and would you recommend the experience? I really want kids and have not yet started trying to have them naturally but the idea of pregnancy and birth are absolutely terrifying me. I’m sure everyone is nervous about it but my fear is getting bigger and bigger and I just turned 30 so I’m hearing my biological clock ticking.

like

Anyone have a MIL who is clearly intimidated by your prof success and consistently criticized how much you work and how you’re raising your little one?

likehelpful

Recalling my first onboarding meeting in-house with the c - suite. Thinking back now recalling that they would often mention if someone they are referring to is a woman. For example, "Oh we have these two women doing x, y, and z and they do it well, a well-oiled machine." etc. I was the only woman in the room. They did not mention when someone performing a particular role was a man but they did point out when it's a woman, happened about four times. Odd, no? What would you make of this?

like

Does anyone know whether a UK solicitor can practice in Europe?

like

How honest is too honest in an exit interview? I am leaving because of problems with one partner in particular but I do not want to burn a bridge in case I ever need the firm in the future.

like

Excited this group is here! Real talk- which firms do you think are good places for women? I'm frustrated at my current firm, looking to lateral. Not sure how to accurately evaluate a firm's culture

like

Took my first vacation (1 week) in over a year to visit family. Was bombarded by emails from one partner asking me to complete non-time sensitive motions, which he hasn’t even bothered to review. This is my third firm in three years (first I left as I was severely underpaid, second I left for a 100k increase in salary), but this lack of respect for my boundaries has made me want to move again once I’ve completed 18 mos. Bad? They don’t do this to the other associates (all male).

like

If you refuse to share salary info with fellow women lawyers, especially while benefitting from them sharing with you, you’re part of the problem.

like

I’m currently a junior associate in a boutique litigation firm handling IP. I’ve taken a depo already, will argue in court next month and by all accounts, I am great at it. But I’m miserable. I find the games with opposing counsel exhausting and I despise writing briefs (even if I’m good at it). My pre-law school job was in public relations and I chose litigation because I like to win, but I’m now realizing I like success more than the win-lose. Feeling lost… should I move to transactional?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal