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    Wisconsin Lawyer
    April 01, 2002

    President's Message

    In May, the Board of Governors will vote on whether the Bar should require the mandatory reporting of voluntary pro bono efforts.

    Gerry Mowris

    Wisconsin Lawyer
    Vol. 75, No. 4, April 2002

    Others' Pro Bono Work Can Inspire Us

    In May, the Board of Governors will vote on whether the Bar should require the mandatory reporting of voluntary pro bono efforts.

    by Gerry Mowris

    Gerald MowrisMy friend and law school classmate, Peter Rubin, worked for the State Public Defender for many years, representing kids in court. His commitment to helping kids went beyond his employment and the courtroom doors. He and his wife Barb took in foster kids, volunteered in their community, and coached kids on Madison's south side. About a decade ago, Peter discovered he had cancer. Despite initial victories in his battle against the disease, his cancer eventually prevailed and Peter died in 1995. Peter's spirit lives on through a charitable foundation called "Rubin For Kids." An annual fundraiser in his name affords scholarships to kids for camps and sports teams, clothing so kids can attend school dances, and money for legal help for kids with legal problems.

    I believe that if we had a method of tracking and collecting the pro bono activities of our profession (of lawyers like Peter), we could share our stories and inspire others to get involved or increase their level of service. I believe that one way to encourage community involvement is to require mandatory reporting of pro bono hours, activities, and contributions (not mandatory pro bono).

    In March the Board of Governors debated the issue of mandatory reporting. Some are against it because they believe lawyers should perform pro bono because it is a higher moral imperative, not because the rules guilt them into it. Others believe that pro bono is an integral part of the profession and that building awareness of what is really being done will encourage more of it. I'm with the latter.

    Immediately following the Annual Convention in May, the Board of Governors will discuss and vote on a mandatory pro bono reporting proposal. The proposal came from our Legal Assistance Committee, which asked that all lawyers report their pro bono hours, activities, and contributions to the committee annually so it can evaluate the amount and type of pro bono activities lawyers are involved in. The committee's request for mandatory reporting includes a "sunset" provision in 2006. I believe this is a step in the right direction to encourage pro bono activity, and the research supports it.

    When the Florida Bar implemented a similar proposal in 1994, approximately 516,000 hours of pro bono were reported. By 2000, that number had grown to more than 1.1 million. Other research tells us that community involvement positively impacts people's impressions of the justice system. The research conducted by our Public Trust and Confidence Committee last year showed that lawyers and judges who are active in the community are perceived to be more trustworthy and more attuned to societal problems than those who are not. Community involvement builds public trust. It helps the entire justice system.

    As the board grapples with mandatory reporting of pro bono, think about Peter Rubin and how he still gives back. Remember we all have such an obligation. If you choose to contribute money rather than time to fulfill your pro bono obligation, consider "Rubin For Kids," P.O. Box 1405, Madison, WI 53701, as one donation point.

    Building public trust. On May 15, in conjunction with the Annual Convention in Madison, the State Bar will honor attorneys, judges, law firms, organizations, and law students who made outstanding pro bono, public service, or law-related education contributions in 2001. It is a wonderful celebration and reaffirms lawyers' commitment to serving our communities and the public. A showcase program, "Disparities in the Justice System: A look at how unequal treatment affects public trust," will take place on May 16. These two events, although separate, are related. Building public trust in our system hinges on judicial and attorney involvement in the community. Please join us.


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