Pro Bono Declaration – Part 1
THE PROBLEM
The public image of the legal profession is at an all-time low. The 2022 Gallup Poll ranked Law as only the 22nd most admired American industry – this is shocking and unfair, considering all the pro bono and charitable work lawyers and law firms perform every day along with adherence to the highest ethical standards. Among other fallout, this will ultimately affect the quality of future law students and is a threat to the profession (law school admissions were already down 12% in 2022, from 2021).
Pro Bono Declaration – Part 2
THE ASSESSMENT
Law firms and lawyers do amazing pro bono and charitable projects – and the practice of law itself helps society in myriad ways – but the general public is virtually unaware of this aspect of law and lawyers, since publicity of pro bono efforts is largely inner-directed, to just the industry, thereby negating immense image-affirming benefits for the profession.
Pro Bono Declaration – Part 3
THE SOLUTION
Through the establishment of LAWcares’ Pro Bono Task Force, awareness of the legal industry’s pro bono achievements and dedication to altruism and ethical practices will be projected to the larger public through a creative social media campaign and when sufficient sponsorship is secured, a national advertising campaign will further drive our message and undoubtedly improve public perception of the legal profession.
Who is LAWcares?
The LAWcares Foundation is an IRS-approved 501-c-3 non-profit (EIN: 85-0900686) and a d/b/a of the Giving Every Day Charitable Trust. The organization has been recently awarded a $100,000 Google Grant in recognition of its aims and governance.
Please read our Mission Statement and list of Advisory Board members (in formation) here: LINK
Who is Dave Kufeld?
Dave is a 25-year legal marketing veteran and innovator who brought his 20 prior years of experience in consumer products, real estate, travel and non-profit advertising and public relations to bear for NYC’s mass tort powerhouse Weitz & Luxenberg PC (who have embraced LAWcares as being consistent with their commitment to charity and good works). He has formed and managed several non-profit organizations on a volunteer basis. A former professional basketball player and NBA draftee, Dave’s primary inspiration for LAWcares was his late father, William M. Kufeld, Esq., an archetypal “lawyer’s lawyer” renowned equally for his formidable legal talents and his impeccable ethics, honesty and dedication to community service and his country.
Key Statistics that Guide Our Efforts
#22
Legal is Gallup’s 22nd most admired American industry in 2022 (down from #21 in 2021).
6%
Of all Americans surveyed were
fully aware of a lawyer’s basic pro
bono requirement.
89%
Felt that the public image of lawyers would improve if they would perform more pro bono work.
73%
Responders felt that lawyers
should not be reluctant to publicize
their largesse.
87%
Expect that a law firm should
care about their impact upon
society as much as they do about
winning cases.
12%
Decline in law school
applications (as of Oct. 2022).
Learn More About the LAWcares Foundation
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The LAWcares Foundation / 82 Nassau Street / Ste. 60326 / New York, NY 10038 /
We are an IRS-recognized 501-C-3 charitable organization (EIN 85-0900686).