Show Up and Sign Up – It’s Good for You!

By Magistrate Tiffany Vivo, Marion Circuit Court

The Family Law Section and the Pro Bono Standing Committee invite you to the inaugural Show Up to Sign Up, a social networking event to be held at the Indianapolis Bar Association Education Center on October 14 from 4 to 5 p.m.

The event is a unique opportunity for Indianapolis-area agencies to showcase their organization’s mission and solicit volunteer participation from lawyers desiring to donate their time in providing legal representation to those in need. Lawyers will have a chance to sign up to provide pro bono representation to those individuals whom the agencies serve. The event will also highlight the legal programs that are available to members of the community. Lawyers and other professionals will have a chance to mingle and exchange valuable insight on ways to help one another. Full details on participating organizations and online registration can be found at indybar.org/events.

For the first time, the Indiana Supreme Court is requiring lawyers to perform pro bono legal work to members of the community. In the alternative, however, lawyers may opt to make a donation to certain approved organizations. But why not consider taking on a pro bono case? While it may seem easier to write that check or haul that piece of furniture to a local organization, lawyers will find that there are benefits to taking a case pro bono, in addition to satisfying the requirements of our state’s highest court.

Below are some reasons to consider why giving back to the community by doing pro bono work can be beneficial:

1. It will open the door to valuable skills.

You may not even know it, but volunteering will help you become a better lawyer. Undertaking a particular pro bono case that you would otherwise have not taken before will provide a set of skills that will be useful to you in the future.

2. It will provide a challenge that will help you develop as a person.

Doing pro bono work is a great way to get to know who you are. Volunteering your time to work on a case can help open your eyes to your strengths and weaknesses. By keeping an open mind to challenges that present themselves, the experience will create an opportunity for you to make changes towards your development.

3. It will assist in gaining perspective.

Life is tough and there are moments when you get down. Witnessing the challenges of others and being part of helping create a solution are enough to put things in perspective and provide reassurance that you’re really in a good place.

4. It will boost your self-esteem.

No need to say more – helping others just makes you feel good about yourself. Doing something good for others will provide you with a sense of accomplishment.

If the idea of writing that check or donating that file cabinet is still more appealing, the networking opportunity alone is a big reason to attend this event. Lawyers will have the chance to meet with organizations and professionals such as social workers and case workers who serve the community, engage in dialogue with them and form symbiotic relationships that will be helpful to the clients they serve. The event will also allow participants to identify resources available to their legal practice or particular line of work. In essence, the event will serve to connect participants in order to assist them enhance their ability to help our community.

We hope you can join the Family Law Section and the Pro Bono Standing Committee during this fun and insightful networking event. Most importantly, we look forward to joining with you and other professionals in our community as we promote and further the interests of Indianapolis families.•