Jeffrey D. Harvey: Legal aid pro bono work offers attorneys a structured path to fill in gaps that the grind of firm life may obscure. For early- to mid-career lawyers especially, pro bono provides exposure to areas of the law that may not be included in their associate assignments. Pro bono is an excellent way to network and expand one’s professional (and personal) connections. Working alongside and observing senior counsel in new practice areas is especially valuable.

United we stand, divided we fall. In today’s polarized environment, the one common thing we can all agree upon is that words once exchanged in healthy debate have become weaponized in headlines and back-and-forth social media exchanges. As communities become more divided, a belief in the American dream seems to be fading along with our core notions of democracy – a national recognition and unifying vision of the value of our communities, their structures and the vital role our legal system plays in society.

In the body of the legal community of Florida, if voluntary bar associations are the heart of the profession – providing training, mentoring lawyers, promoting professionalism, and investing in the community – then legal aid serves as its conscience.

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