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Law Firm Pro Bono Project Launched
The Project was created in response to the dramatic changes in the structure, practice, and economics of large law firms and, in particular, out of concern about the impact of the late 1980’s recession on pro bono. Staffing consisted of one consultant and “borrowed” time from administrative assistants. Funding was provided by the Ford Foundation. photo? -
Announcement
The Project issued the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge© to address the wide variations in pro bono performance among large firms and striking differences in pro bono culture from city to city. The Challenge and its 170 Signatories was announced at a Law Day ceremony attended by then-Attorney General Janet Reno, Associate Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, the ABA President and other officers, and many law firm leaders; **do we not have a month? -
Change in Definition
The American Lawyer adopted the Law Firm Challenge's definition of Pro Bono. -
Challenge Implementation
175 Challenge Signatories -
Mandatory Challenge Data
Firms were given a grace period to adjust their time and billing systems before reporting. At this time, Challenge data became mandatory. (Something about how that data is still tracked today) -
First Report on the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge (C) Statistics
Approximately 1.5 million total pro bono hours recorded and 1.1 million pro bono hours going to those of limited means.