Mitchell Silverstein is an attorney based in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During Mitchell Silverstein’s years as an attorney, he has had the privilege of representing many clients across a wide array of legal matters. Attorney Mitchell Silverstein has seen the highs of triumphant victories and the lows of challenging defeats. But there is one part of my practice that continually reminds Mitchell Silverstein why he became a lawyer in the first place: pro bono work. The legal profession is unique in its ability to change lives in very real, tangible ways. The impact we can have as lawyers stretches beyond the courtroom and our paying clients, extending to those who can’t afford legal representation but desperately need it.
The Ethical Obligation to Give Back
Every attorney, regardless of their area of practice, understands that the legal profession comes with responsibilities that transcend individual success or financial reward. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct strongly encourage attorneys to provide legal services to those unable to pay, suggesting at least 50 hours of pro bono work each year. While this isn’t a requirement, it is a reflection of the profession’s core values—justice, fairness, and equality.
For me, the call to provide pro bono services is not merely a suggestion; it’s an ethical duty. Pro bono work ensures that the legal system remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Without this aspect of our profession, the legal system could easily become tilted in favor of those with resources, leaving the most vulnerable without recourse. I view my role as an attorney not just as an advocate for my clients, but as a steward of justice. That stewardship extends to those who may not have the means to hire an attorney but have every right to be heard and represented.
The Reward of Helping Others
Beyond the ethical obligation, pro bono work has brought an immense sense of fulfillment and purpose to my career. There’s something deeply rewarding about using my skills to help someone navigate the legal system, often during some of the most difficult moments in their life. Whether it’s helping a tenant fight an unlawful eviction, assisting an immigrant seeking asylum, or securing a protective order for a victim of domestic violence, the work matters.
One case I remember vividly involved a single mother who had been wrongfully evicted from her apartment. She didn’t have the resources to fight her landlord, who had the backing of a well-funded legal team. Her situation was dire—without a place to live, she and her children faced homelessness. When she came to me, it wasn’t just a legal issue; it was her life on the line. We were able to secure a favorable outcome, allowing her to stay in her home. That victory wasn’t just a win in the courtroom; it was a win for her dignity and her ability to provide a stable life for her children.
These are the cases that remind me of the real reason I became a lawyer. While the financial success of the practice is important, the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life is incomparable.
Pro Bono Work Benefits Attorneys Too
While pro bono work is often seen as a service to those in need, it’s important to recognize the benefits it offers to attorneys as well. For young attorneys or those looking to diversify their skill set, pro bono cases provide an opportunity to gain experience in areas of law they might not encounter in their day-to-day practice. This can be especially valuable for those just starting out, as it allows them to develop practical skills, build their confidence, and network with more experienced professionals.
Even for more seasoned attorneys like myself, pro bono work presents a chance to stay connected to the foundational aspects of the law. It’s easy to become caught up in the complexities of corporate litigation, estate planning, or whatever your specialized practice area might be. Pro bono work can act as a reset, reminding you of the fundamental purpose of the legal system—to provide justice to all, not just the privileged few.
Moreover, pro bono work fosters a sense of community within the legal profession. By collaborating with other attorneys, nonprofit organizations, and legal aid societies, we create a network of support and resources that can better address the needs of those who cannot afford representation. These collaborations are crucial, as they allow us to pool our expertise and tackle more complex legal challenges than any one attorney could handle alone.
Challenges in Pro Bono Work
Of course, pro bono work is not without its challenges. Time is perhaps the most significant hurdle. Attorneys are often stretched thin with billable hours, deadlines, and client expectations. Taking on pro bono work means finding the balance between your paid practice and your volunteer efforts. It can be difficult to carve out the necessary time, especially in a high-pressure legal environment.
But I’ve found that the time spent on pro bono work is always worth it. Not only is it personally rewarding, but it also helps me stay grounded. It’s a reminder that the law is not just a business; it’s a calling. In my experience, when I make time for pro bono cases, I come back to my other work with a renewed sense of purpose and focus.
Another challenge is the emotional toll that pro bono cases can take. These cases often involve clients who are in desperate situations, and the stakes feel incredibly high. You may not always win, and the losses can feel more personal because you know the client doesn’t have many other options. But this is part of the responsibility we take on as attorneys—to fight for justice, even when the odds are stacked against us.
The Future of Pro Bono Work
As the legal profession evolves, the need for pro bono work continues to grow. The gap between those who can afford legal representation and those who cannot seems to be widening, particularly in areas like housing, immigration, and family law. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of these issues, with more people facing eviction, unemployment, and legal challenges related to health care.
It’s clear that the legal profession must continue to rise to meet these challenges. For my part, I remain committed to pro bono work, both as a personal responsibility and as a contribution to the greater good of society. By giving our time and expertise to those who need it most, we ensure that justice is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all.
Pro bono work is more than just a professional obligation—it’s a way to give back, to ensure fairness, and to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what being a lawyer is really about?