New Deloitte Whitepaper Examines Impact of Pro Bono Work in Improving Law Firm ROI

A new whitepaper from Deloitte outlines ways law firms can capitalize on the strategic benefits of pro bono work to improve overall return on investment. The report analyzes ways enhanced pro bono programs, supported with appropriate talent strategies and technology infrastructure, can increase ROI related to associate recruiting, development and retention. "Improving Firm ROI Through a Pro Bono Program That Efficiently Develops Law Firm Associates" was written with Pro Bono Net, a leader in innovative programs that increase access to justice. A copy of the whitepaper can be downloaded at www.deloitte.com/us/lawfirmroi or at www.probono.net/link.cfm?11689

Topics covered in the whitepaper include:

• Identifying and avoiding pitfalls in traditional pro bono structures
• Utilizing pro bono to lower associate retention costs
• Developing talent strategies that integrate pro bono
• Efficiently connecting associates to the "right" pro bono opportunity

"Law firms benefit directly when pro bono work helps their associates hone specific skills and develop their personal and professional networks," said Robert Dicks, senior manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP, in their Human Capital service area. "But, in many cases, firms have not yet capitalized fully on these strategic opportunities. This paper provides a starting point for firms interested in improving their programs to consider."

"By combining the right strategy and tools, law firms can improve the likelihood that the significant effort they put into pro bono can benefit both their communities and their bottom line," said Mark O'Brien, executive director of Pro Bono Net.

The whitepaper was the subject of a panel discussion at the recent meeting of the National Association for Law Placement. For additional information, contact Britton Josey at 404-220-1334; bjosey@deloitte.com, or Pam Weisz at 212-760-2554, ext 485; pweisz@probono.net.

About Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice through increased volunteer lawyer participation and innovative use of technology. Founded in 1998, Pro Bono Net has created a network of nonprofit legal aid providers, courts and bar associations across the United States and Canada, which uses two Web-based platforms -- www.probono.net and www.lawhelp.org -- to recruit and manage volunteers, and to provide legal information and tools for low-income communities and the organizations that serve them.

About Deloitte

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deloitte Services LP, separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.