The Australian Pro Bono Manual
A practice guide and resource kit for law firms
Jill Anderson and the National Pro Bono Resource Centre
Victoria Law Foundation 288 pages 2nd edition 2005
ISBN 978 1 876045 28 9
Available online
from the National Pro Bono Resource Centre
This invaluable resource provides practical information on establishing,
managing and improving pro bono programs.
As well as providing models of pro bono legal practice, the guide includes
information on issues such as fostering a pro bono culture, co-ordination,
supervision and secondment of staff, disbursements, taxation, dealing
with requests for assistance, clients with particular needs, record
keeping, file management and more.
Sample policy and procedure documents, and pro forma letters, forms
and agreements are also included as well as information on useful contacts
and referral services.
Reviews
‘written for law firms, by law firms ... a useful tool in the toolbox
of any pro bono coordinator.’
Australian Law Librarian
‘an invaluable reference source for lawyers participating in community
service work. Particularly for small and medium size firms … it contains
information and precedents which enable the administration associated
with pro bono work to be performed quickly and effectively.’
Kalinda Cobby, Pro Bono Partner, Lane & Lane
‘Implementing a pro bono and community service program in a national
law firm is a complicated process. The Australian Pro Bono Manual, with
its analysis of the different models of service provision, and its realistic
commentary about procedural and management issues, was a very useful
resource. I would recommend the manual to anyone who requires a holistic
and practical understanding of this emerging area of activity in the
legal profession.’
Michael Rosenfeld, Director, Community Assistance Scheme, Sparke
Helmore Lawyers
Contents
Part 1 Planning, developing and maintaining a program
1.1 Planning pro bono for the firm
1.2 Current models of law firm pro bono
1.3 Defining pro bono for the firm
1.4 Promoting a pro bono culture
1.5 Surveying interest
1.6 Identifying needs and sources of work
1.7 Setting targets and budgets
1.8 Coordinating pro bono work in the firm
1.9 Involvement of all levels
1.10 Counting and crediting time
1.11 Pro bono policy
1.12 Costs and disbursements
1.13 Measurement, record keeping & evaluation
1.14 Training and skills
1.15 Standards
1.16 Reflections of a pro bono coordinator
Part 2 Procedures and practice issues
2.1 Casework procedures
2.2 Supervision
2.3 Letters of engagement
2.4 Risk management
2.5 Taxation issues
2.6 Troubleshooting
Part 3 Precedents and pro formas
3.1 Sample pro bono policies
3.2 Sample pro bono procedure
3.3 Sample letters of engagement
3.4 Pro bono survey
3.5 Pro bono database and sample monthly report
3.6 Sample referral and assessment form
3.7 Application for assistance form and related pro bono committee decision
form
3.8 Sample new pro bono matter memorandum
3.9 Sample evaluation form
3.10 Pro bono matter closure report
3.11 Secondment agreements
3.12 Encouraging pro bono
Part 4 Information and resources
4.1 Secondment issues
4.2 Pro bono referral schemes
4.3 Legal aid
4.4 Community legal centres and Indigenous legal organisations
4.5 Disbursement assistance
4.6 Interpreter services
4.7 Advising and acting for Indigenous clients
4.8 Clients with disabilities
4.9 Law firm pro bono contacts
4.10 Useful pro bono websites
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