Volunteering for nonprofits and/or serving on their boards is a great idea, both personally and professionally. It is an excellent way to build contacts, confidence and skills while giving back to your community. If you’re temporarily out of work, it is a no-brainer.
Personally Rewarding; Expands Your World
There are lots of ways to help these days and lots of different causes. You should pick something that is meaningful to you. For example, you can choose to volunteer for an organization that helps those less fortunate or that supports the arts.
Sure you can write a check. But the tangible satisfaction of working to put a child in a safe home or helping a veteran with a legal problem can only be achieved by actually getting involved.
You’ve probably heard people say that they get more out of volunteering than the recipients. I saw that firsthand at a dinner one night, when a seasoned lawyer was honored for his time-consuming pro bono work for low-income individuals. When this stern, pugnacious lawyer read a message of thanks he had received from one of his low-income clients, he started weeping (as did almost everyone in the room).
Volunteering takes you out of your comfort zone and helps you connect with your local community and/or the larger world in a unique way.
Expands Your Network
Volunteering also helps you build your network of contacts. Some of these contacts can pay off in the near term and lead to a new job or more work for your firm, but the long-term benefits are typically more meaningful.
I know one attorney who was growing restless with her law firm position, but had not yet made the decision to look for a new job. Two years into a three-year term on a nonprofit board, she was approached by another board member about a job at her husband’s company. Introductions were made and she ended up accepting the new position.
Meeting new people and demonstrating your skills in a different environment can lead to unique professional opportunities. People have a chance to see you, not only as a qualified attorney, but as a reliable, cooperative and dedicated individual. You have the opportunity to showcase your trustworthiness and commitment.
The attorney mentioned above attended board meetings and made a positive impression, so her fellow board member was comfortable making the personal and meaningful referral.
Professionally Enriching; Expands Your Résumé
Lawyers who do pro bono or other volunteer legal work may also end up honing their professional skills. You might learn about a new area of law or, if you are planning to return to practice after an extended leave, you can use volunteering to learn about changes that occurred while you were away.
Pro bono cases can offer you a chance to handle more responsibility than you might be given at a law firm. For example, a junior litigator can take part in a trial. You can also learn about different industry niches and practice areas. If you’re not employed, working pro bono is a great way to stay engaged in the legal world. It enriches your résumé and provides you with some additional legal experience.
When I was practicing law, I was a volunteer attorney on a couple of CASA cases, supporting court-appointed children’s advocates, and even went to trial. It was a thoroughly rewarding experience and provided me with a rare opportunity to get into court. Unemployed attorneys can also serve as CASA attorneys.
If you’d like to sign up with an organization that provides pro bono services, one piece of advice: Be clear about the client population or legal area in which you’d like to help. That will enable the agency to find the right spot for you.
Boards Often Require Expertise
If your sights are set on being on a nonprofit board, it is important to realize that most organizations look for people with professional expertise in areas such as fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, financial management or law. In addition, board members are often expected to have strong community connections, some business management experience and leadership skills.
As far as board opportunities go, let your network know you are looking and what interests you. You do not just waltz onto a prestigious board. You usually need to start small and work your way up.
But that being said, there are lots of boards that can use help, especially from someone with a legal background. Research what skills the other directors bring to the table and what skills the board still needs. Newer boards are often looking for people who are willing to work hard, which could be your way onto your first board.
If you want to test the waters before committing to a board seat and its time (and sometimes financial) requirements or want to gain visibility in a particular organization, ask if there are positions open on any committees. A committee position increases your visibility with the board, provides you with excellent training and shows you how an organization works.
Resources
If you’ve thought about volunteering, but just haven’t gotten around to it, there’s no time like the present to begin. It is a great way to spend some downtime if you’re between jobs and an excellent way to expand your network and increase your skill set. And given that the recession increased the number of organizations that need assistance, while reducing the amount most people are able to give, volunteers are needed now more than ever.
If you are interested in local pro bono opportunities, the King County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association are great places to start. The Seattle Networking Guide also provides a list of nonprofit organizations that offer various volunteer opportunities.
There are several organizations that explain the requirements of board service, offer workshops and seminars, and provide links to board opportunities. Two that focus on nonprofits are the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and BoardSource. OnBoard Bootcamp also offers helpful programs.
Lynn Hubbard is a managing director in the Seattle office of global legal search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa and is currently on the board of the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle. She can be reached at 206-218-1010 ext.224 or lhubbard@mlaglobal.com.
Originally published in the July 2010 issue of the King County Bar Association Bulletin. Reprinted with permission of the King County Bar Association.