In the Media
Greg McConnell Discusses Benefits of CLE Credit for Pro Bono Work with the Chicago Lawyer
In the Media
Greg McConnell Discusses Benefits of CLE Credit for Pro Bono Work with the Chicago Lawyer
June 1, 2012
Winston & Strawn pro bono counsel Greg McConnell, based in the firm’s Chicago office, was quoted in the June 1, 2012 Chicago Lawyer article titled “Above & Beyond: CLE or not CLE- that's the question.”
The article discusses the bar and judiciary’s focus on developing new strategies for increasing pro bono service, and explores a proposed Illinois rule that would allow attorneys to receive CLE credit for participation in pro bono services.
On the proposed rule, Mr. McConnell said he was uncertain that granting CLE credit would increase pro bono participation, and instead felt that it may simply serve as a post hoc reward for those already doing pro bono work. "In my experience, most attorneys accept a pro bono matter principally because of the intrinsic value they place on pro bono service. Providing CLE devalues the experience by suggesting that pro bono participation necessitates a sweetener. This will ultimately lead to diminished long-term participation as the value appeal of pro bono loses favor to inducements which run in short supply."