As a solo attorney, you are undoubtedly a busy person. Most solo attorneys would agree that owning and running a small law practice is more than a full-time job. From meeting the demands of current clients to scheduling appointments with prospective clients, there are hardly enough hours in the day to keep up with everything that must be accomplished.
With all your professional responsibilities, how (and why) would you agree to volunteer your time at a local non-profit organization? Before answering this question, take a moment to think about the various pros and cons for getting involved in your community on a volunteer basis. Would volunteering be time well spent?
Even though volunteering takes time, there are many reasons to consider it. Besides the fact that organizations within your community can undoubtedly use extra help, volunteering allows you to get involved in an interesting and meaningful cause. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people and introduce yourself to others who live and work in the area. Essentially, community involvement is a type of networking that can be beneficial to in-need organizations and also beneficial to you and your law firm.
If you are looking for a few good reasons to volunteer, look at the list below. Pledging a few hours per week or month to helping an organization in your community has many benefits.
You probably need a break from the office. Most solo attorneys spend countless hours in the office and can probably use a break. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the office, consider volunteering for a local organization. The time you spend volunteering can be simultaneously be used for networking and getting to know others in your community.
You’ll feel good about it. Not only does volunteering for an in-need organization help the recipients of the organization’s benefits, but your involvement will make you feel like you’ve contributed to your community in a positive way. The gratification of donating your time and effort to a community organization is not something easily replicated.
The community will get to know you and grow to appreciate you. When you volunteer for an organization, the other people who also volunteer will get to know you on a personal level. Eventually, other volunteers may become your friends – or at least your acquaintances. The more people in your community who know you on a personal level, the greater the chance of someone calling you for legal help. Volunteering is a great way to generate word-of-mouth referrals.
You might learn something new. It’s difficult to understand exactly what local non-profit organizations do for the community without being personally involved with them. As a volunteer, you will be exposed to people, places, and things that you’d otherwise not realize existed. Volunteering helps broaden your knowledge and appreciation for those who live and work in your vicinity.
When you make the decision to get involved in your community, select an organization or foundation that is of personal interest to you. This will help you feel like you are truly having a positive impact. Volunteering should result in a greater sense of purpose and it could indirectly help your law firm grow and succeed.
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