There are multiple ways in which attorneys and law firms can give back to their communities. Community isn’t just a physical location. It can encompass legal professionals, a neighborhood, a hometown, and even the global community. Luckily, many people feel a sense of duty to volunteer their time and talent.

Helping a nonprofit or charity can be a refreshing change of pace and a joyful experience. An added benefit is the enhancement of an attorney or staff member’s personal and professional network. Perhaps the most challenging part of volunteering is finding the right fit for your law firm’s interests, skills, experience, and passions.

Getting Your Law Firm Involved

Without question, no two people have the same set of skills nor the same amount of free time. For those who are looking for some ideas, the following collection offers several ways to volunteer and make a difference for others.

Pro Bono

Frequently, attorneys seeking a way to volunteer begin by offering pro bono work. Many law firms have existing protocols for accepting pro bono cases. For Lawyers who want to find pro-bono opportunities on their own, there are usually legal volunteer organizations that will eagerly welcome the assistance of an attorney’s service. Many states often connect pro-bono organizations with specific causes, skill sets, and interests for lawyers practicing family law, immigration, and personal injury.

Other Volunteering

Attorneys are not limited to legal services in their quest for volunteering opportunities. There are unlimited options.  Start by identifying which causes you believe in and are passionate about, then find organizations that align with your goals. They’re easy to find in the digital world. Greatnonprofits.org is just one example of an online clearinghouse that can help connect you to worthy and vetted charities and nonprofits in your area. 

Raising Money

A great way to give back is to host a charity fundraiser in your community, either in person or online. In addition to helping a worthwhile charity, you can never go wrong showcasing your law firm’s commitment to the community and compassion for others. Not only is it the right thing to do, charitable giving and volunteerism can help dispel some of the negative stereotypes associated with attorneys. 

Gather your legal team and participate in a 5K run/walk for a good cause, or collect toys for a holiday drive that benefits underserved children.  Don’t hesitate to showcase your charitable efforts on your website, social media or in an e-newsletter. Not only will it reveal a softer side of the legal profession, it helps shine a light on organizations in need. 

Become a Mentor

Helping guide future generations can be one of the most rewarding forms of giving back to a community. Seasoned attorneys can make a meaningful impact by mentoring a junior lawyer in the office. Many law schools offer mentoring opportunities to their law students. Mentoring opportunities also exist through the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and other such organizations that serve young people in the community.

Nonprofits

Every nonprofit has a board of directors composed of individuals who give their time and talent to further the organization’s goals. Many of these nonprofits need a lawyer who can help advise them on essential matters. Even if a volunteering attorney prefers not to serve in a legal role, he or she can still make an impact by serving on the board.

The Benefits For Your Law Firm

The positive effects of charitable giving and volunteering are endless. Here are just a few. 

  • An elevated reputation in the area. Forbes says 87 percent of consumers view a company positively if it supports environmental or social issues.
  • Networking opportunities offering connections with potential clients. Positive interactions and relationships within a community lead to more word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Boosting work experience. A resume that lists service-based work is particularly eye-catching. Young lawyers can build their practical experience and boost their professional reputation too. 
  • Loyalty from those you help. A cascading effect can mean countless individuals benefit from volunteer services an attorney provides. Down the road, these people will remember who helped them in their time of need.
  •  Employees and engagement. A Deloitte study reveals that companies can strengthen the workplace environment through volunteerism. Participating staff members are more likely to be satisfied and loyal.

Helping the Community

Our company, Broughton Partners, proudly stands as an industry leader in giving back to communities and providing advanced client acquisition services and marketing solutions for legal firms. We actively partner with businesses in establishing programs to create a positive impact and give valuable opportunities to Georgia’s residents. The Broughton Partners Cares initiative continually looks for innovative ways to give back to the community. We have supported and been involved with several outstanding programs, such as TOPSoccer and our very own Military Works Program. Contact us today to learn more about how Broughton Partners can help you get the most out of both your legal work and your community involvement.