Jeffrey D. Harvey: ‘For early career attorneys wanting to make their mark, there’s huge upside in providing pro bono counsel. Moreover, pro bono work supported by legal aid opens entirely new practice areas for associates who may be somewhat constrained in their career track.’

As attorneys, we enjoy the privilege of regulating our own industry. All of us, from the Supreme Court to The Florida Bar to local bar associations to licensed attorneys, share the privileges and responsibilities of a profession that is responsible for determining who can practice in the state. We all have a voice in setting the standards for personal and professional conduct and establishing the standards for continuing education and service. We create opportunities for professional development and invaluable networking resources for attorneys at any career stage. I believe these privileges are at risk of increased political oversight if we as a profession fail to address and resolve several key issues.

The legal profession in Florida is at a difficult point in its history: The fact that 40% of the state’s population cannot afford an attorney has implications for how the profession is perceived. According to the Legal Service Corporation’s Justice Gap Report, only 28% of low-income people believe that people like them are treated fairly in the U.S. civil legal system. Around half don’t think they can afford legal help – and don’t know where to find it. Many (64%) do not feel the legal support they received was sufficient. And, according to the report, “among higher-income Americans, the survey-based justice gap measure is significantly smaller for substantial problems.”

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