December News Article #1
What are a Law Firm's
Utilisation Targets?
Utilisation targets are used to measure a lawyer’s activity against the total amount of time that is available for them to work, essentially recording the amount of ‘value’ they add to business.
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What is the Position of Pro Bono Work when it comes to these Targets?
Due to the non-fee earning nature of pro bono work, firms have traditionally excluded the time lawyers have spent on these projects from utilisation targets.
However, excitingly, law firms are increasingly including pro bono work as part of their utilisation targets!
This incentivises and rewards lawyers for spending time on pro bono projects, encouraging them to further participate without fear of ‘sacrificing’ their work for paying clients.
This further conveys a message about the value of pro bono projects to a firm’s business goals.
How does the Inclusion of Pro Bono Work into Utilisation Targets help?
Incorporating pro bono work into utilisation targets results in the following positive consequences:
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Ensures that lawyers do not feel disadvantaged or penalised for opting in favour of pro bono rather than fee earning work.
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Encourages the joining together of cross-border, cross-practice teams to provide specialist legal advice, contributing to a more collaborative and inclusive working environment.
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Increases the likelihood that the quantity of pro bono work undertaken becomes a factor in the appraisal process. This incentivises involvement, and the positive impact on engagement has been felt by the 69% of law firms which currently follow this policy.
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Strengthens partners’ participation in pro bono projects. The active engagement of senior fee-earners who are leading experts in their fields will inspire contributions from employees at all levels, improving the culture of pro bono work.
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Increases the chances of the firm offering a permanent training seat dedicated to pro bono work, demonstrating its increasing prestige!
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The Case of Reed Smith, a Law Firm which is Incorporating ESG Projects into Utilisation Targets:
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Reed Smith has rolled out a cutting-edge policy to include sustainability hours towards their billing targets.
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As part of their Global Environmental Sustainability Plan 2024, lawyers can count up to 25 hours per week towards their billable hour targets.
This enables lawyers to dedicate time to training and development tied to green projects, contributing to positive societal and environmental change.
In turn, participating in sustainable projects becomes a part of a lawyer’s paid job, instead of an uncompensated ‘extra’ aspect of their workload.
Top Tip:
It might be a nice idea to ask about a firm’s approach to pro bono work and whether they include it in their utilisation targets at any Open Days you attend/interviews you may have!
Further Reading:
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To find out more about how pro bono work is being incorporated into utilisation targets, please check out the articles below:
https://www.legalcheek.com/2022/05/reed-smith-counts-sustainability-hours-towards-billing-targets/
Written by Millie Hook
November News Article #2
Dentons named Pro Bono Week
Firm of the Year
Last week Dentons was named Pro Bono Work Firm of the Year at the Global Women in Business Law Awards 2022.
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The award was granted on account of Dentons practices and projects regarding gender diversity and as for the number of women lawyers they have employed in business law.
Dentons is one of the largest firms in the world with over 200 locations in more than 80 countries. The firm has put its size and innovative practices to good use by giving back to local communities by collaborating with interest groups and organizations which focus on rights advocacy.
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For example, Dentons, through TrustLaw, assisted Led By HER and the Kerring Foundation in conducting research on the effectiveness of Ontario workplace laws intended to protect and support survivors of domestic violence.
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Additionally, in conjunction with the Center for Reproductive Rights, Dentons filed amicus briefs in the US Supreme Court.
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Dentons assisted the Rule of Law Alliance and the National Commission for the Improvement of the Administration of Justice in improving Costa Rica’s ability to provide better access to human rights, and the rule of law for locals and foreigners.
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Moreover, the firm prepared a program to guide locals and foreigners to find human rights support within the Costa Rican institutions, strengthening the rule of law and human rights.
Dentons also has an office in London and recruits on a rolling basis.
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Vacation scheme applications for 2023 are open and will close 3 January 2023.
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Applications for Training Contracts can be submitted from 1 December 2022 until 15 June 2023. https://challengers.dentons.com/uk-trainees/applications/when-to-apply/
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