Editor's Column
We've all heard a lot about pro bono programs for attorneysãwhat are they, who should participate, should it be mandatory. Well, what about pro bono opportunities for legal assistants? They're out there, they need us, we should all try it!
I think we all agree that our professional code of ethics requires that we do whatever we can to assist in our communities. What better way to do that than by participating in pro bono programs? Anyone who has participated in pro bono programs can tell you that they ''need'' legal assistants to make them work. Who else is going to do the intake, interview clients, help clients fill out forms, notarize documents, and a whole list of other things that go into the organization of a pro bono program.
Legal assistants are a necessity to the well-organized pro bono program. Even better, the legal assistants who volunteer their time to these programs get much more out of it than they put in. They are participating in programs that are directly helping the public and they can see instant results. The attorneys who work in these programs appreciate the legal assistants' help and this promotes the visibility of our profession. Legal assistants who don't work in the areas of family law, tenant/landlord rights, creditor's rights, etc. can become better educated in those areas of the law by volunteering for pro bono programs. Finally, legal volunteers who do pro bono work, legal assistants and attorneys alike, can feel good about themselves and their profession. Pro bono programs really do make a difference.
I can't think of a single reason why we shouldn't all volunteer for the pro bono programs in our local communities. How about you?
I want to extend my appreciation to Mr. David Beck, President of the Texas Bar Association, for agreeing to write an article for this issue. His commitment to the pro bono movement is well known and his support of legal assistant participation in pro bono programs is encouragement to us all.
The September, 1996 issue of TPJ is LAD's 15th Anniversary issue. The Division plans a huge anniversary blow-out for the annual meeting in June and if you have never attended an annual meeting, this should be the year you start. The CLE programs scheduled look excellent and the networking opportunities will be outstanding. It will definitely be time well spent.
TEXAS PARALEGAL JOURNAL
Summer 1996
©1996 Legal Assistants Division, State Bar of Texas