Pro Bono
All members of the firm – principals, associates, summer associates and staff – are encouraged to handle pro bono matters and contribute time as volunteers in the community. We do not limit the nature or the extent of participation and do not mandate the type of service provided. Rather, we have a flexible pro bono policy that enables members to determine both the type of work that interests them and the amount of time they wish to devote to it.
In addition to agency-referred cases, our attorneys frequently provide pro bono representation to other organizations and entities that are of particular personal interest. Ober|Kaler attorneys play an active role as board members, chairpersons and community leaders for scores of civic, charitable, religious, health care and educational organizations throughout our communities. In addition, we take leadership roles in national, state and local bar associations.
The amount of time that an associate spends on pro bono matters is considered a part of his or her regular workload and the quality of an associate’s work on such cases is considered in his or her evaluation. Principals supervise pro bono cases and, like any other firm matter, are always available to offer guidance or direction. Even though pro bono work is not considered billable, our bonus system takes into account the time and effort that our associates spend working on these cases.
Ober|Kaler summer associates also have the opportunity to work on a variety of pro bono matters. In the past, summer associates have provided valuable assistance on cases dealing with the constitutionality of teenage curfews, AIDS patients’ rights, landlord-tenant issues, termination of parental rights and complex impact litigation.
Visit our Pro Bono section to learn more about our pro bono client service and recognition.
