CPD 454 – Building Effective Pro Bono Programs Practical Approaches for Law Firms

Recorded: 2026-05-20
Qualifies for 1.0 CPD hour, all of which qualify for Ethics

Materials: Resource CPD 454 – Building Effective Pro Bono Programs.pdf

There is significant unmet demand for pro bono legal services. While recognition of the value of pro bono work is increasing, many law firms continue to face practical challenges in coordinating and delivering these services effectively.

This session will examine practical, workable approaches that all law firms can use to encourage and support pro bono work at their firms.
Participants will gain insight into:

Governance structures that support pro bono, including:  

• A pro bono policy
• A pro bono committee
• Billable credit or hour‑recognition structures
• Intake and file‑opening procedures

Ways to engage with external stakeholders, including: 

• • Inviting fee‑paying clients to participate, where appropriate
  • Partnering with established pro bono organizations
  • Measuring impact, including tracking participation and collecting data

The session will also explore broader program considerations, such as how to define pro bono legal services in a principled and consistent fashion, and the importance of pro bono to firm culture and clients.

Presenter:
Grace Pastine, K.C.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
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