I noticed a lot of large firms have pro bono "partners" and seemingly a small team of attorneys that only do pro bono work for the firm and also I assume help with administration for new pro bono matters for the firm.
Any idea the comp ranges for these roles? I assume the "partners" never surpass income partner levels (and maybe don't even get there), but seems like it would be a relatively chill job hours wise if you could tolerate the emotional aspect.
Full Time Pro Bono in Biglaw Forum
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nealric
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Re: Full Time Pro Bono in Biglaw
Can't comment on comp, though I imagine most pro bono partners are petty far down the totem pole comp wise. I'm sure it depends a lot of firm specifics/politics.
Someone who succeeds in a pro bono partner role needs to be an expert politician and effective salesman. You'll have to satisfy different partners in the firm of widely different clouts with widely different priorities (sometimes diametrically opposed politically). Then, to satisfy those partners, you'll need to browbeat associates into doing the work that they may have little passion for and eats into their billable hours. There's probably fewer fire drills in pro bono land, but you'll likely have to attend a lot of after hours events to sell the firm's work.
I think it could be a good fit for the right person, but I wouldn't go in thinking you'll just get to do your favorite charity work for biglaw pay.
Someone who succeeds in a pro bono partner role needs to be an expert politician and effective salesman. You'll have to satisfy different partners in the firm of widely different clouts with widely different priorities (sometimes diametrically opposed politically). Then, to satisfy those partners, you'll need to browbeat associates into doing the work that they may have little passion for and eats into their billable hours. There's probably fewer fire drills in pro bono land, but you'll likely have to attend a lot of after hours events to sell the firm's work.
I think it could be a good fit for the right person, but I wouldn't go in thinking you'll just get to do your favorite charity work for biglaw pay.
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trebekismyhero
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Re: Full Time Pro Bono in Biglaw
At my old firm, there were a couple partners who went to pro bono at the firm full time, but they actually gave up their partnership and became "Counsel"
There were also a couple full time pro bono counsel at the firm. The more junior I am sure made way less than associates. The head counsel and the former partners I am sure were doing well, but I doubt making much more than mid-level associates
There were also a couple full time pro bono counsel at the firm. The more junior I am sure made way less than associates. The head counsel and the former partners I am sure were doing well, but I doubt making much more than mid-level associates
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bjblue01
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Re: Full Time Pro Bono in Biglaw
I'm a pro bono attorney at a V20 firm, feel free to PM.
As far as I know compensation varies widely, as does hours expectations.
As far as I know compensation varies widely, as does hours expectations.
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LittleRedCorvette
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bjblue01
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Re: Full Time Pro Bono in Biglaw
Sure, I've heard that my compensation is high for a pro bono attorney and is slightly less than a first-year associate, without the same annual raise amount or bonus.
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