Thanks for organizing this thread, Michael. I think it is useful in allowing us to formulate concrete ideas concerning what we can all do with our degrees upon graduation.

The Simpson Thacher approach seems like a genuine commitment to community development and pro bono work, but I guess what's troubling we can never really know for sure. While it may just be a recruiting tool that survived a cost-benefit analysis, I would suggest that it is a good one at that. The firm, just as easily, could have spent its money on another reception with free food and drink.

I'm wondering what you all think about the firms that designate associates to do pro bono work or that, alternatively speaking, bill the pro bono work of a general associate in the same way it would be billed for a paying client? I went to a panel the other day where a woman from a top New York firm (designated a 'Pro Bono' Associate) mentioned that the economic downturn and subsequent lack of work has caused a lot of firms to push their associates to keep busy by doing pro bono work. I'm sure we would all prefer that the firms were pushed to this level on their own, but in the case where they treat the work of the needy in the same energized and precise manner as they treat the work of the corporate client, are they doing enough?

-- UchechiAmadi - 25 Feb 2009