Speaking of Pro Bono
The New York State Bar is apparently considering expanding the definition of pro bono to include representation of individuals or entities seeking to secure or protect civil liberties. Under this definition, I believe that the work of the Media Blogger's Association* (counsel on matters relating to the use of intellectual property, defamation and other issues arising from their weblogging) or handling a case like Think Secret's** on a voluntary basis would qualify under the expanded definition:
The change, which will be discussed at the Bar's annual meeting next week, would also provide two additional pro bono qualifications:
Additionally, despite claims that the new expanded definition won't alter the current aspirational goal of 20 hours of annual pro bono service; some small firm and solo practitioners are "concerned that what is aspirational today could become mandatory in the future, as it has in other states." (Id.) Stay tuned.
Related Posts:
* Media Blogger Association Launches
** Pro Bono Opportunity
*** Podcasting and CLE for blogging
Service to individuals or charitable, not-for-profit, civic, governmental or public agencies "seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights, or to meet the basic needs of individuals of limited means ... where payment of standard legal fees would significantly deplete the recipient's economic resources."(see NY State Draws Fire With Proposal to Change Pro Bono Definition)
The change, which will be discussed at the Bar's annual meeting next week, would also provide two additional pro bono qualifications:
Participation in "activities for improving the law or the legal system." [and] Financial contribution to "groups or organizations whose principal purpose is to address the legal needs of individuals of limited means, and of not for profit organizations."(Id.) [ed.: Could blogging about the law be far off?]***
Additionally, despite claims that the new expanded definition won't alter the current aspirational goal of 20 hours of annual pro bono service; some small firm and solo practitioners are "concerned that what is aspirational today could become mandatory in the future, as it has in other states." (Id.) Stay tuned.
Related Posts:
* Media Blogger Association Launches
** Pro Bono Opportunity
*** Podcasting and CLE for blogging
1 Comments:
The Law.com reporter missed one particularly radical part of the proposed pro bono policy -- the definition would include the "delivery of legal services at a substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means." Yes, un-free pro bono services! The full policy proposal can be found here.
As I mention in my post pro bono Publico Relations, "substantially reduced" is not defined, and pro bono reporting is expected to remain voluntary, for purposes of measuring the bar's overall service.
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