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I'm a junior in a V50 NY corporate practice. I'm wondering if there is general advice regarding pro bono work.

1) Is the advice to basically do pro bono work during slow periods? How should I approach balancing it with my regular work?

2) More importantly, what kind of pro bono work is best for a corporate associate? Is there certain work that is better or more helpful for getting exposure to the kind of things that will be done at an in-house job (that is currently my anticipated exit in a few years)?

3) I have not done much contract review or other legal work outside of my field. How should I approach explaining that when taking on a Pro Bono project? I assume there is training/assistance, but how much should I expect?

Any other general advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

With respect to specific skill development, I don't think corporate-style pro bono has the same carry over in skills that you see in litigation. For example, if you haven't drafted articles of incorporation etc. before, and you take on a pro bono project to help a new nonprofit get off the ground, that's great but when you go in-house you're not really going to be drafting articles of incorporation every day, and I can't imagine it would be a factor in hiring you.

That said, if you're otherwise interested in doing more pro bono work and there's not a project out there that you feel really passionate about, it wouldn't hurt to take on a project where you help a new nonprofit incorporate/file for a determination letter (so you can have exposure to articles, bylaws, corporate governance basics), and drafting estate planning documents can be helpful for very basic contract drafting skills (even if it's not quite the same).

There should be a pro bono coordinator and partner at your firm where you can reach out and ask for a specific type of project. You should have a partner or someone more senior "supervising" you although their level of supervision may not meet what your expectations are. There's also usually supervision and resources from the entity that refers the project (for example, Catholic Charities will give you samples of a U Visa application if you are doing an immigration project for them), so no one is going to leave you out there with no resources or help.