Learn practical considerations and concerns that can be associated with pro bono work.
Many people who make the decision to become a lawyer, do so in the interest of justice, and to help those who cannot help themselves. As a lawyer, pro-bono can be a worthwhile and rewarding process. Helping others within the realms of your legal expertise provides challenge and reward that transcends financial gain. How to effectively represent a pro-bono client, while ensuring you are protecting their rights and balancing your own case load may lead to ethical considerations that must be addressed. This topic will advise the attorney on what pro-bono representation is comprised of, various duties between attorney and client, errors and omission protection, and various other issues surrounding pro-bono representation.Agenda
Introduction- What Is Pro-Bono Representation
- Representation vs. Clinics
- Why Would a Lawyer Provide Pro-Bono Representations
- Opening a File
- Duties Between Lawyer and Client
- Communication Issues
- Written / Formal Engagement Letters
- Clients With Disabilities
- Veteran’s Court
- Court Appointments
- Errors and Omission Requirements
- Malpractice
- Philanthropic Considerations
- Ethical Considerations
- Marketing Considerations
- Closing a File
Speaker(s)
Christopher LavoratoWynne & Wynne, Austin
- Attorney with Wynne & Wynne, Austin Texas, a trial law firm specializing in civil litigation and family law
- Routinely represents clients in federal and state courts in cases alleging product defect, aviation mishaps, wrongful death, personal injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, clergy abuse, and sexual assault
- Successfully tried, arbitrated, and mediated cases for over 21 years
- Frequently provides pro-bono services to those in need, including military veterans
- Recognized as highest Martindale-Hubbel rated, one of Austin’s Top Attorneys, and California and Texas Super Lawyers
- Prior military officer and UH-60 Blackhawk pilot; FAA-certified commercial pilot (IFR / VFR)
- J.D. Degree, Santa Clara University School of Law; B.A. Degree, University of San Francisco
