With almost four years on the federal bankruptcy bench, I have now seen hundreds of pro se parties in bankruptcy and observed how much Court time and resources are needed to address issues in their proceedings.
When I was in private practice, I had a different lens and, when I saw someone who needed help and I could help, the answer was easy – I helped. That could be by taking their case on or by giving limited advice through a clinic or legal aid. That could also be by asking another lawyer if they would help if I was not in a position to do so. I would hear the part of the oath I swore to that “I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed” and know that was just as important as making a buck practicing law or taking on a big case. The personal satisfaction in helping someone who could not pay for a lawyer was often better than helping a paying client navigate a difficult situation.
So now when I see lawyers taking on pro bono matters, I am truly grateful. Those lawyers are to be commended for sharing their time and talents with those in need. They not only help their pro bono clients, but they help the entire legal system. They allow courts to save time and resources and to operate more efficiently.
I have also found new ways to support pro bono service. I have helped to establish virtual clinics for pro se bankruptcy parties to get free consultations with lawyers, participated in supporting veterans being able to meet with volunteer lawyers, and worked with judges to detect needs for pro bono services and identify initiatives and ideas for pro bono programs. I have had the pleasure of working with The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono and presenting to The Florida Bar Board of Governors on a Judicial Advisory Council to The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono. In the years ahead, I will continue to look for ways to support pro bono services and hope that my best pro bono service work lies ahead.
Let me conclude by saying to those lawyers sharing their time and talents with those in need in pro bono representations – thank you. Please keep up your great work. To those who don’t engage in pro bono representation as part of your regular practice, I hope you will give thought to doing so. There is a great need, many ways to fill the need, an oath you swore to adhere to, and the satisfaction that you have helped someone in need.
Hon. Jacob A. Brown
Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida