Local Peer Group Grows into Community Impact Driver for Denver’s Legal Industry
In an industry often defined by individual practice, a shared commitment to giving back has created an ecosystem where local legal professionals can come together to address pressing community needs.
“There is a real access to justice issue in this country. The number of people who can’t afford to receive legal help is enormous,” said Jayme Ritchie, Director of Pro Bono and Community Impact at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. But Jayme has seen a rise in pro bono work in Denver, which encompasses any work an attorney does for a client at no charge.
As part of this rise in pro bono work, Jayme, along with Kevin Homiak, Partner and Co-Chair of Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell’s Pro Bono Committee, started an informal peer group to build a network of pro bono professionals in the Metro Denver community. These lunch meetings grew to include members of 12 firms and discussed best practices, events and pro bono opportunities.
The group then had the idea to collaborate further and create programming around the 2024 National Pro Bono Week celebrated from October 20th to 26th. “We’re a group of people who care and who want to make an impact in this space,” said Jayme. And this week encouraged even more people to be part of the conversation.
Over one hundred attorneys from 25 firms and companies participated in the programming, which featured presentations from legal aid providers who are existing partners of the represented firms. One of the most popular sessions showcased a provider based out of public libraries who helps people from rural areas in legal deserts. In the week after, 15 attorneys had reached out to help.
According to Kevin, “Denver law firms didn’t have a comprehensive view of what the various opportunities were, and coming together allowed us to see the full picture.”
“It’s important to note,” added Kevin, “ that none of this happens without the support of our management who invest in these ideas wholeheartedly.” This support includes allowing their attorneys the time to participate in pro bono cases and peer groups and even financial support to host groups. Kevin and Jayme have seen a significant wave from leadership in recent years who have bought into the importance of pro bono work for the community, for attorneys and for their professional development.
They aren’t aware of any other programs like this firm-coordinated week, and other models are primarily membership-based. This peer group will continue to meet quarterly and encourage organic collaboration among firms. If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to Jayme (jritchie@bhfs.com) or Kevin (homiak@wtotrial.com).
The group hopes to reconvene for the 2025 National Pro Bono Week and grow the number of attorneys and legal aid providers.
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