Jen Leonardi, pro bono partner, and Sharon Brown, diversity partner, were featured in the Law360 Pulse article “Barclay Damon Partners Talk 100% Pro Bono Participation” about the firm’s seven-year streak of 100 percent pro bono participation by full-time attorneys, how the firm is able to achieve this level of participation, and the evolution of the pro bono program.
In their Q&A with Law360 Pulse, Jen and Sharon spoke about how Barclay Damon’s pro bono program has achieved success, noting that the firm’s Management Committee encourages all attorneys to participate in the program regardless of level or practice area.
Jen noted that there’s something for everyone at the firm. She said, “We have a lot of community partners across the platform that do a lot of different things, so we really try to have people do what they like to do, something they feel comfortable with.” Sharon added, “It’s really about providing access to justice, and I also think it provides valuable learning experiences for professionals. It allows professionals to learn new perspectives, develop new skills, and broaden their understanding of different communities and issues within their communities.”
About how Barclay Damon finds pro bono opportunities for attorneys at the firm, Jen explained that the firm first works locally with bar associations and then expands to include opportunities that align with the attorneys’ practices. “We really do take a cooperative approach to pro bono,” Jen said. “We encourage people to work collaboratively . . . so that associates can be the point person on a project and have the support they need from the partners overseeing the work, but also take the initiative and run with it.”
Sharon and Jen also explained how Barclay Damon’s approach to pro bono is one part of the firm’s overall diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. Jen mentioned the firm’s diversity leadership teams resident in each office and the work they do in their communities.
As advice to firms looking to grow their pro bono program, Sharon said, “. . . I think one important thing is to make pro bono a core part of the firm’s mission. If the firm is dedicated to pro bono and has a pro bono partner or a committee to coordinate pro bono, that really helps.” Sharon also noted the importance of setting benchmarks and making enjoyable pro bono activities available.
Regarding Barclay Damon’s plans for pro bono work in 2024, Jen said, “There’s been a real push for more collaboration in the last couple of years, to have partners and associates working on the files together and have it be more of a learning tool. Something the partners can use for some mentorship.” In a similar vein, Sharon said, “. . . we’re looking to see how summer associates can get involved in pro bono during their summer. We’re encouraging partners and associates doing pro bono to include the summers.”
Law360 Pulse subscribers can read the full article here.