Pro bono publico is a Latin phrase indelibly tied to the legal profession. The literal translation means "for the public good," usually shortened simply to, "pro bono." Pro bono representation of clients who cannot otherwise afford counsel is deeply rooted in the American legal tradition, dating back to at least 1769, when future President John Adams successfully defended four Irish sailors accused of murdering a British Royal Navy captain. However, in our modern, fast-paced legal profession it seems that fewer and fewer junior lawyers are taking on pro bono matters—and it isn't difficult to understand why.

With the competing demands of personal and professional life, taking on a pro bono matter can be a daunting prospect for a junior attorney figuring out how to make things work in a law firm, in-house or government position. But pro bono work can be a powerful asset in any lawyer's career. More junior lawyers should embrace the nearly endless opportunities to engage in pro bono work, as they would benefit not only from providing legal counsel to those who desperately need it, but also by gaining valuable legal experience (often in a new area of the law) and expanding their professional networks.