This is both an artificially narrow and a highly time-consuming approach to recruitment and placement. Representation of a child in a juvenile matter may be somewhat futile if that juvenile returns to a highly dysfunctional family. Obtaining SSI benefits for a sick child, while a beneficial outcome, may only address one facet of a family s even more pressing concerns about the child s development. A number of programs increasingly recognize the importance of providing legal assistance in the context of a constellation of broader services medical, financial, counseling, etc. to insure better outcomes and better lives for poor families. Increasingly, this also means that, rather than waiting for clients to come to their offices with problems, these programs go where people needing help can be found elderly day care centers and housing, hospitals, social service centers.
Technology is a vitally important tool in promoting innovative approaches to pro bono service.
As noted above, the use of e-mail to solicit pro bono attorneys can help programs to substantially increase volunteer participation. In one city, all United Way-funded programs including legal services are now linked electronically so that they can more easily provide complimentary interdisciplinary services to their common clients. Conclusion Pro bono services currently offer an important but somewhat limited legal resource for low-income persons. When viewed in a more creative fashion, pro bono by leveraging every possible lawyer, aligning with other service providers, and offering a wide range of legal skills can become a source of long-term, effective solutions to problems faced by the poor. If the nation s full-time advocates in legal services and pro bono programs begin to view themselves not as the primary case handlers, but rather as strategists and resource managers who engage and support a larger community of advocates, including private lawyers, community groups, social services providers, and even government agencies, we can truly make justice for all a reality.