Survey of Pro Bono Activities in Chicago's 50 Largest Law Firms
Submitted by The Chicago Council of Lawyers
and Chicago Appleseed Fund For Justice

Funded by:
The Kraft General Foods Foundation
and The Fund For Justice Third Decade Fund

Fay Clayton, Chair, The Fund For Justice
James D. Wascher, President, Chicago Council of Lawyers
Malcolm C. Rich, Executive Director, Chicago Council of Lawyers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Objectives
Methodology
Developing the Mail Surveys: Probing the Pro Bono Culture

The Elements of a Structured Pro Bono Program

The Use of Policy Statements
Identifying Opportunities for Pro Bono Work
Decision to Provide Pro Bono Representation
Quantifying the Goal

Managing a Pro Bono Program

Pro Bono vs. Awarded Fees
Advantages of Pro Bono Work
Survey Results: Associates
The Decision to Offer Pro Bono Representation
Supervision of Pro Bono and Resources Available
Pro Bono Policy

Summary: Associates Survey

Comparing Associates' Responses with those of Managing Partners

The Pro Bono Culture in Chicago-Area Firms

Conclusions

Tier One (Largest) Firms
Tier Two (Mid-size) Firms
Tier Three (Smaller) Firms
The Importance of Pro Bono Culture
Characteristics Common to Firms Which Discourage Pro Bono Work
Characteristics Common to Firms Which Encourage Pro Bono Work
Implications for the Future