US survey shows public service lawyers get more practical experience in law school
A survey of lawyers in the US has indicated that although law firms are more likely to hire “practice ready” associates, it is in fact government and public interest lawyers that are more likely than associates to take advantage of clinics and other experiential learning while in law school.
Almost 56 per cent of public service attorneys said they had participated in a clinic during law school, comparedto more than 30 per cent of law firm associates. When practical skills and pro bono work were examine, as 83 per cent of public service attorneys said they had taken a practical skills course, compared to 70 per cent of law firm associates.
The study concludes that “overall, data from this study suggest that these experiential learning opportunities whether required or optional can play an important role in preparing new lawyers for the demands of the practice of law.”
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Five Cork solicitors to provide pro bono advice to those refusing to pay household charge
Meanwhile back in Ireland, five solicitors in Cork City have agreed to give free legal advice to people facing possible court action for non-payment of the controversial household tax. This comes at a time when the authorities are about to issue warning letter to tens of thousands of householders who have not paid the tax since the deadline in March.
Socialist Party Cllr Mick Barry commented “we put out an appeal to solicitors and legal people to volunteer to donate their services to the campaign to assist ordinary householders, if and when they are dragged before the courts.”
Click here to read an Irish Examiner article on the development.
State of Victoria quickly puts into action measures that enable in-house lawyers to do pro bono work
In Victoria, Australia a new National Pro Bono Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme has been launched in addition to a new guide to in-house pro bono practice prepared by law firm DLA Piper.
In April 2012, Victorian State Government passed legislation allowing in-house lawyers to undertake pro bono work in the same manner as their private practice counterparts and in house lawyers in other parts of Australia. Until that point, practicing certificates available to Victoria’s in-house lawyers were limited to providing legal advice to their employer only.
John Corker, Director of the National Pro Bono Resource Centre commented “now is a very good time for in-house legal teams to develop pro bono legal programs. The practicing certificate and PI insurance issues have been resolved. It’s time to develop the in house legal pro bono culture.”
Click here to read an article by Pro Bono Australia on the developments.