The NHBA Pro Bono Referral Program, in cooperation with the NHBA CLE Committee conducted a live and interactive Web cast on “Doing Good, Doing Pro Bono: The New Rule 6.1,” that drew more than 100 members as viewers.

Virginia A. Martin, Associate Executive Director for Legal Services, said the program exceeded expectations.

“Response was very positive,” said Martin, also Director of the NHBA Pro Bono Department. “It’s very exciting. [Web casting] has the potential to reach a lot more attorneys and it’s convenient for them.” The program is still available for viewing through the Online CLE catalog for NHBA CLE at a modest cost. Tuition was subsidized by the NH Bar Foundation’s Justice Grants program.

The focus of the Web cast was a panel discussion with NH Supreme Court Associate Justice James E. Duggan, who is co-chair of the NH Access to Justice Commission; John C. Norton, chair of the Pro Bono Governing Board and a member of the Ethics Committee; Marilyn McNamara, of the NH Legal Advice & Referral Center and a former private practitioner, and Martin. 

Some of the questions the seminar addresses include:

• How does the new rule differ from the old one?
• How can government attorneys do any pro bono work?
• Does serving on a zoning board, acting as town moderator or similar activity qualify as pro bono activities under this rule?
• Can lawyers unfamiliar with family law or other areas of law for consumers still provide direct legal services that would qualify as pro bono?
• Does service on the board of a charitable organization count under the requirement?

Funding from the NH Bar Foundation’s Justice Grants program enabled the program to be offered at a substantial discount to members. The program is available for viewing.

Interaction via video

One of the benefits of the digital media is the ease with which viewers can provide feedback. Online CLE programs prompt viewers to complete a short online evaluation form. The Pro Bono video generated a number of comments about the usefulness of the program itself, as well as the ease or difficulties encountered in making use of the Internet video technology.

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