Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics When Private Businesses Partner for Pro Bono Good: Koch and Kansas
May 13, 2025
Joy Springfield, Director of Pro Bono Services at Kansas Legal Services, joins Koch's Matt Ellis and Nathan Jiwan Lal to discuss the transformative power of pro bono work. They share how Koch addressed legal barriers to in-house attorneys volunteering, revealing the stark shortage of legal aid in Kansas. The trio delves into their ongoing partnership to provide essential services like expungement clinics, highlighting personal journeys of satisfaction gained from altruistic legal efforts. They also address challenges faced by in-house lawyers and offer strategies to enhance pro bono participation.
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Legal Desert Demands Pro Bono
- Kansas Legal Services struggles with a high volume of calls but has few attorneys.
- Rural counties lack legal resources, making pro bono work essential for community support.
Rule Change Unlocks Pro Bono
- Koch recognized that in-house attorneys couldn't offer pro bono under Kansas rules.
- Koch partnered with Kansas Legal Services to change the rule and now runs clinics annually.
Corporate Lawyer's Pro Bono Shift
- Nathan Lal found pro bono work personally fulfilling and impactful beyond corporate law.
- He encourages others to try volunteering due to the strong support and resources available.