subject: Giving Back As A Lawyer [print this page] Lawyers tend to get a bad rap in societyLawyers tend to get a bad rap in society. They are seen as dishonest and too expensive for ordinary people. While that may not be true of all lawyers, it is important for those in the legal community to reach out to the rest of the community and help shape ourselves and our services in a different light. So, what are some ways lawyers can reach out to the community and do it in a way that will be appreciated?
Share Your Expertise
No one wants to talk about work at a party, but if there are organizations out there that could use your help in dealing with a legal matter, offer them your help for free. If you are an expert in copyright, help aspiring writers make sure their work is protected. If a small business needs advice on how to legally hold an online contest, go over the basic structure with them. Consider joining an organization of lawyers that actively seek to give back to the community with their area of expertise.
Be an Educator
Another way to give back is to offer to give lectures or seminars about basic legal matters for free. Give a lecture about trademarks at a small business convention. Give a continuing education class at a university to students interested in the legal profession. If you aren"t comfortable with an audience, write up articles instead. Be sure the articles are written in a manner that someone who is not a lawyer would understand and be able to act upon.
Give Your Time Wisely
Balance is important when you start to give your time. If requests for free services are starting to keep your from your work and your life, you may need to limit the activities you participate in. Consider what cause is most important to you, and set specific goals for yourself of how you want to give to that cause. That way it will be easy to say "yes" or "no" when requests start coming in.
Make it Worth Something
If what you give is something an ordinary person could easily do on his or her own, it won"t be appreciated or worth your time. Be willing to give up time and expertise that will make a real difference to the cause you choose to support. If it helps, set certain objectives that will help you measure whether you have been successful or not.
