The Aug. 27 article "Burnout!: Midlevel Associates Say They Are Torn in So Many Directions" discusses several positive approaches to addressing associate burnout, including increasing paid leave time and more transparent discussions with management.

Firms should consider the additional approach of enhancing associate opportunities to participate in meaningful non-billable work and to have such work credited in the same way that billable work is credited. Such opportunities could include traditional pro bono work, as well as engagement in diversity and student pipeline initiatives and nonprofit board service.

 Many associates look to firms to facilitate and provide opportunities to do interesting and challenging work that falls outside the typical four corners of their workday and has a positive impact on others. And, they want that work to be promoted, rewarded and taken seriously. For some associates, it may mean the difference between staying and moving on.

Roger Juan Maldonado is president of the New York City Bar Association and a partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell.