Office of the President
Dear Lucas:
Since 2004, the New York State Bar Association has strongly opposed any requirement that New York lawyers report their voluntary pro bono service or contributions to public authorities. We firmly believe that requiring such reporting dilutes the voluntary nature of lawyers' pro bono service. Lawyers should provide pro bono service because they recognize the critical importance of access to justice and lawyers' unique ability to assist – not because they feel pressured into doing so.
I encourage you to write to the Chief Judge, the Chief Administrative Judge, and the Presiding Justices of the Appellate Divisions to express opposition to this requirement. We have set up a webpage with contact information, a sample letter, and a link to send an e-mail message directly to the Chief Judge to express your opposition. Go to www.nysba.org/probonoreporting.
Sincerely,
David M. Schraver, President