Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono publico legal services per year.

– ABA Model Rule 6.1

With the privilege of practicing law comes the corresponding responsibilities and honor by attorneys to use their legal skills to serve the public interest. The Pro Bono & Public Interest Committee coordinates the Section's pro bono programs. The Committee oversees the Legal Services Project, which focuses on training, technology, and fundraising issues and has the responsibility of nominating candidates for the John Minor Wisdom Awards, which are given annually by the Section.

To promote the flow of new ideas as we move forward, we are actively seeking volunteers to assist in our endeavors. We strongly encourage any interested members to contact the relevant committee leaders. The ABA offers abundant opportunities for pro bono activities, as well as recognition for participation in such activities. We urge members to explore the many awards the ABA offers for significant pro bono contributions and to nominate persons and entities they feel are deserving of these awards.

Nominations for the 2010 John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award are now being accepted.

The John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award recognizes members of the legal profession whose accomplishments reflect the highest legal standards while also contributing meaningfully to the quality of justice in their community.  It is named for the late U.S. Court of Appeals Judge John Minor Wisdom.  Judge Wisdom, who was an illustrious member of the Fifth Circuit bench from 1957 to his death in 1999, was and remains an inspiration to our profession and all our citizens.  His service and judicial scholarship personify the highest ideals of the legal profession and have made significant contributions to promoting an open profession and system of justice.

The Section of Litigation will present the 2010 Wisdom Awards at its Section Annual Conference, April 21-23, 2010 at the Hilton New York.

The deadline for receipt of nomination forms and accompanying documentation is Monday, November 16, 2009.  If you have any questions about the Award, please contact Sharyne Tu at 312-988-6069 or tusharyne@staff.abanet.org.

Check out the National Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities Guide, a joint project of the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, its project, the ABA Center for Pro Bono, and Pro Bono Net.

Learn about pro bono resources that are available with the American Bar Association and elsewhere online. Includes information on awards opportunities.