In-House Counsel Pro Bono Commission
The Board of the Association of Corporate Counsel, Arizona Chapter has created an In-House Counsel Pro Bono Commission as a framework to act as a convener and catalyst for pro bono efforts specific for in-house counsel.
This page will spell out in detail the logistical information needed for in-house counsel to evaluate different pro bono activities, help in-house counsel select the pro bono activity that personally resonates with them and provide details to streamline the efficiency of engaging in such activity.
Law Firm Sponsor
The Arizona Chapter thanks our 2018-2019 In-House Pro Bono Commission Sponsors for their generous support.
Goals
- Specifically tailor efforts to in-house counsel, enabling counsel to select the activity that will personally resonate and encourage engagement
- Improve efficiencies, enabling the sharing of resources which will help to eliminate redundancies and administrative burdens
- Facilitate making connections, between in- house counsel and partners helping to deliver the pro bono activities
- Provide a forum for sharing, exploring, and supporting ideas that build upon each other
- Provide a platform to grow awareness to have broader reach and impact
- Shine a light on current efforts, enabling others to partner/follow and provide match making like connection
HOW WE HAVE ELIMINATED THE HISTORICAL OBSTACLES FOR IN-HOUSE COUNSEL TO PERFORM PRO BONO ASSISTANCE
MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's (AZ Bar Foundation) has the ability to add to their malpractice insurance the pro bono activities performed by in-house counsel within the umbrella of the In-House Counsel Pro Bono Commission and not otherwise covered by the Volunteer Lawyer Program's (VLP) initiatives. Please complete the form for Professional Liability Insurance Coverage.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Ethical Rule 6.5 encourages lawyers to participate in short-term limited legal services programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations such as the Arizona Bar Foundation and Volunteer Lawyer Programs. The Rule does not require the usual conflict checks needed for representation and allows lawyers to provide brief help unless the lawyer knows or reasonably should KNOW there is a conflict of interest.
TIME
This commission's efforts are focused on selecting pro bono activities that are specifically suited for in-house counsel, knowing in-house counsel's time restrictions. Furthermore, this commission is focused on eliminating inefficiencies (administrative burden/logistical issues) so in-house counsel can be most efficient with their time.
NOT LICENSED IN ARIZONA?
In-house counsel registered, but not licensed, in Arizona are able (per Rule 38(e)) to still provide pro bono services so long as they are working with an approved VLPS or other court approved legal aid agency. Other pro bono opportunities that do not require an Arizona license are also being offered such as sharing legal information and classroom activities. Note: We are currently working with William E. Morris Institute to modify the double certification requirement within the rules for in house counsel not licensed in Arizona.
TRAINING
For many of our pro bono activities, no training will be necessary (i.e. speaking at schools about what it is like to be an in-house counsel), but if training is necessary, we will partner with an agency or law firm to provide the training (see the Intel law clinic case study), and such law firm will also act as a life line for questions beyond the reach of in-house counsel.
CURRENT LIST OF PRO BONO ACTIVITIES
1. WILLS FOR HEROES
2. DIVERSITY & REFUGEES
3. STARTUPS: ASSISTING ENTREPRENEURS
4. PANELS AT LIBRARIES
5. MEDIATION
6. CONNECTING WITH CLASSROOMS
7. CLINICS
Click here for the information you need to volunteer.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of our current pro bono activities listed below, please reach out to the Point of Contact listed for that activity or send an email to the Chapter at: acc.az.chapter@gmail.com.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Thank you to the in-house counsel and community partners who have been working on our Chapter Pro Bono Commission!
CHAIR:
Kevin Groman, Crown Canyon Capital
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL MEMBERS:
Dan Christensen, Intel
James Curtin, Edgenuity
Romy Drysdale, Intel
Margaret Gibbons, Equity Title Agency
Robb Itkin, Simon Consulting
Marilyn Locus, Walmart
Chris Miner, Mobile Mini
Deb Sirower, Clear Channel Outdoor
Mona Stone, Goodwill
Brian Walsh, Aretsyn Embedded Technologies
KEY PARTICIPANTS:
Ray English, Assistant Dean, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Jeff Jacobs, Wills for Heroes
Phil Potter, The Armory
Kevin Ruegg & Lara Slifko, Arizona Bar Foundation
Alan Sternstein, James E. Rogers College of Law at University of Arizona
Jonathan Voight, State Law Library
