Pro Bono Committee Update

Amy, a white soman with short lond hair and glasses, wears a pale grey shirt and plaid grey blazer.Sean, a white man with light brown hair, glasses, and a beard, wears a pale blue shirt and dark blue blazer.By Amy Cox Gruendel and Sean Vitrano

The Pro Bono Committee of the Dispute Resolution Section is one of the most active committees in the section. Its work includes:

•    The Pro Bono Partners (“PBP”) Initiative: A project that identifies organizations with ready-made, quality opportunities for section members to provide pro bono dispute resolution services.

•    The List: A curated list of organizations that often need volunteers with dispute resolution skills. Unlike the more structured opportunities identified in the PBP Initiative, potential opportunities identified on The List occur on a more ad hoc basis and provide a wider range of experience.

•    Recognition: Through various activities (annual survey, participation in award nomination, etc.) the Committee works to highlight the work of section members who engage in pro bono dispute resolution efforts throughout the year.

•    Member Initiatives: The Pro Bono Committee offers support to section members who have a great pro bono project they are looking to get off the ground.

•    Communications: The Committee periodically publishes information to the section, the NCBA, and the public at large noting the work of the Committee, spotlighting organizations, and touting section members active in pro bono work.

What is Pro Bono Service?

For attorneys, pro bono legal services are defined in Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Serving as a mediator or arbitrator qualifies as pro bono legal services under “participation in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession.” Rule 6.1(b)(2).

As a community of attorney and non-attorney dispute resolution professionals, we can provide pro bono services that benefit the public in several ways, including but not limited to:

  • Providing dispute resolution services, such as serving as a mediator, facilitator, ombudsperson, arbitrator, collaborative attorney, divorce coach, or financial neutral, to persons of limited means without fee or expectation of fee;
  • Serving on bar association dispute resolution sections or committees;
  • Serving on boards of non-profit organizations that offer dispute resolution services;
  • Financially supporting non-profit organizations that provide dispute resolution services;
  • Advocating for the establishment and/or expansion of alternative dispute resolution programs; and
  • Engaging in activities that advance the public’s awareness of alternative dispute resolution processes, such as teaching or offering informational workshops.

How Can You Help?

  • Do you know of a program that needs volunteers to provide leadership or dispute resolution services? We’ll add it to The List so that section members can consider volunteering or contributing financial support.
  • Do you have an idea for a new pro bono program or project? We’ll help you brainstorm, identify resources and individuals who can assist in launching your project, and publicize volunteer opportunities to the section.
  • Join the Pro Bono Committee this year and be part of the work in progress! For more information or to express your interest, please contact the Committee Co-Chairs, Amy Cox Gruendel and Sean P. Vitrano.
/by