How Much Should I Feature My Pro Bono Experience?

My candidates are sometimes confused about how much they should discuss their pro bono experience on their resumes, as well as in interviews.  Attorneys are often given conflicting information regarding what law firms do and don’t want to hear about pro bono work.  There is indeed tension between law firms’ desire to participate in highly visible pro bono work, and their desire to have their associates perform maximum billable work.

The long and the short of it is this: while firms often love the positive publicity of performing pro bono work, they often shy away from someone who is too enthusiastic about it.  The obvious reason for this is that they want someone who will make money for the firm, and pro bono work does not pay.  If you appear to prefer pro bono work over billable work, the firm may see you as someone whose primary goals do not include making money for the firm.  For this reason, many attorneys are guided by counselors and recruiters to downplay their pro bono work, and, in the traditional interview context, this may be a wise move.


However, there are some situations in which pro bono work should not be downplayed.

1.  You are looking to take on a level of responsibility higher than your class year.

If you can get experience above and beyond your year, the work is very much worth mentioning.  For example, a litigator may get an opportunity to argue a matter in federal court at an early stage in her career, and handle the entire thing.  A corporate attorney may have the chance to incorporate a non-profit organization, or a tax attorney may be able to advise that entity with some autonomy.  These are all valuable experiences which will show that the firm has enough faith in you that they are willing to invest in you by allowing you to spend some non-billable time building your own skill set.  This reflects well upon you.  Still, you should probably not put these matters as your first resume line item if you are performing these tasks within your own practice area.  Rather, they should probably be towards the bottom of the list, with the prominent billable matters listed first.

2.  You are looking to transition to another area of law.

Pro bono work can be a great way to gain experience within another area of law.  If, for example, you are a corporate attorney looking to transition to litigation, you should feature any pro bono litigation experience you have gotten front and center on your resume.   You should also mention in a cover letter that you have targeted this pro bono work with an eye towards gaining experience in this second field and ultimately transitioning to it.

3.  You are looking to practice in a quasi pro bono capacity within a law firm.

I sometimes get positions for pro bono coordinating attorneys, or affordable housing attorneys within law firms.  These positions are very rare, but they do come up.  Of course, if you are applying for one of these listings, your pro bono experience should be prominently featured.

4.   You are looking to transition out of the law firm context and into the public, government or non-profit sector.

Again, if you can show that you have been active in the pro bono community even while doing well at a law firm, this is very appealing to pro-bono and service oriented employers.  Even non-private employers want to know that you will work as hard as a big firm attorney, but also that you have a passion for their cause.

In sum, in many cases, those who are applying for traditional law firm jobs within their own practice area may indeed want to downplay some of their pro bono experience, so as not to appear to prefer pro bono work over billable work.  However, in some situations, highlighting pro bono work may be more than appropriate.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.