Every now and again you hear something disturbing that you wish was not true. Recently, I heard from two law students that they were hesitant to mention any interest in pro bono work during their upcoming on-campus interviews. Influenced by the legal media, online how-to guides, well-meaning guidance counselors and older classmates, law students, I was told, are increasingly of the view that expressing any interest in pro bono service will leave hiring attorneys with the fatal impression that a candidate lacks the requisite focus, drive or commitment to enter and succeed in private practice.

If ever a fear needed to be dispelled and advice undone, it's here — and urgently so.

The demands on new associates at big firms are very real. Firms invest significantly in young lawyers and expect them not only to hit the ground running, but to be prepared to endure sprints and marathons alike for the good of their clients. Long hours, challenging deadlines, never-ending emails and the pressure to perform at peak levels are a fair picture of a firm's expectations for young attorneys.