Finally, courts have contacted the Lawyers' Committee about representing parties before them. As with all litigation, the staffing and time requirements of a law firm varies with each matter. Before accepting a matter, the Lawyers' Committee will do its best to provide a rough estimate of the staff and time needed. As with all pro bono matters, however, supervision by a partner, or for a research project supervision by a senior associate, is required. Many of the matters are located in the South, which is a reflection of past and continued discrimination.
Matters do arise, however, in every part of the country.
Depending on the needs and interests, a law firm may wish to work on a matter in another part of the country or may prefer a matter in its backyard. The Lawyers' Committee and the law firm co-counsel do not charge their clients fees or require that they advance expenses. A firm undertaking a matter with the Lawyers' Committee is normally expected to advance such litigation expenses. Costs normally associated with representation of a client, such as copying, telephone, travel, and the like, are born by the Lawyers' Committee and the law firm, respectively. Every effort is made, however, to recover litigation costs and expenses, together with Attorneys fees, at the conclusion of a case through statutory fee-shifting provisions.