The start of a new year is a great time to make philanthropy a top priority for your law firm. Whether taking on pro bono cases or volunteering with nonprofits, any business benefits from making strong community connections and giving back to those in need.

At NextChapter, our 1-1-1 Promise shows just how important community giving is to our work. We donate 1% of our time to local nonprofits, 1% of our product to attorneys filing pro bono cases, and 1% of our equity to organizations that assist families struggling with financial hardship. When you and your law firm give back, you make big impacts throughout your community and spread positive energy and encouragement. Here's how you can implement philanthropy into your law practice. 

1. Take on pro bono filings

Taking on pro bono work is one of the most impactful ways you can start giving back immediately. If you’re not sure where to start, note that many cities across the country have pro bono clinics and legal aid organizations that make it easy for you to volunteer your time and resources for those in need. For example, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus in Ohio is a civil legal services organization that connects attorneys and economically disadvantaged people in the central Ohio community.

Pro bono work helps those in need get the quality legal services they deserve. Attorneys who partake in pro bono work are exposed to unique cases which ultimately improves their craft and shows their community that they run an ethical and caring business that’s focused on more than the bottom line.

2. Volunteer as a team

Giving back doesn’t have to end with pro bono filings. Engage your entire team in volunteer work in your community so that everyone is involved and there are more people to provided much-needed work.

Take time during work hours to volunteer at a local organization that you believe in and that really needs your help. Ask your team members if they’re passionate about a local nonprofit or philanthropic area to engage them further in volunteering. And don’t forget to have volunteer days regularly.

3. Research local organizations and find something you’re passionate about

Volunteering is important, but you can also give back to the community by giving funds to organizations in need or helping them raise money. Research the nonprofits in your area that are doing great work, and find something you believe in that you’d like your law firm to be associated with.

You can even plan a fundraising event to raise funds for the chosen organization, like a fun run, bake sale, or silent auction.

4. Mentoring

Another way to donate your time and knowledge to your community is to mentor young lawyers. This could be junior lawyers at your firm or those elsewhere in your community. There are many organizations that can help get you set up as a mentor, including Ohio’s lawyer-to-lawyer mentoring program.

There are also mentoring programs nationwide that connect you with kids and young people in need of role models, like the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Through programs like this that are centered on youth, you can make a big impact and foster a long-lasting relationship with a young person in need of a tutor, sponsor, or advocate.

Giving back to those in need improves your connection to your community, expands your perspective, and lets your client base know that your law firm cares about more than turning a profit. Lead by example and start making big impacts now.