By Samuel Edmunds
As I reflect on my journey in the legal profession, one chapter stands out as particularly formative: my early years as a criminal prosecutor. During that time, one of the opportunities I had was to handle criminal expungement cases for government clients. I learned that the cases were more than just legal files; they were stories of individuals striving to overcome past mistakes and win a second chance to rebuild their lives. This experience taught me about the power of the law to transform lives and began my career-long commitment to providing pro bono representation to those who need it most.
Criminal convictions often carry lifelong consequences, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and personal relationships. Many individuals who find themselves in these situations are not hardened criminals, but people who made a mistake at some point in their lives. For them, criminal expungement can offer a clean slate—a second chance to move forward without the burden of a past conviction. The law can be used not just as a tool for punishment but also as a means to strive toward redemption and renewal.
Expungement is just one of many examples of the life-changing pro bono work that lawyers can engage in to help our communities. From providing legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and helping immigrants navigate the complexities of citizenship applications to representing low-income tenants facing eviction and advocating for parents in critical child custody cases, pro bono work spans a vast array of practice areas, each with the potential to profoundly impact lives. The diversity of these opportunities means that no matter your area of expertise, there is always a way to contribute meaningfully to those in need.
As lawyers, we are granted an extraordinary privilege: the ability to guide others through some of the most critical and challenging moments of their lives. The opportunity to obtain a legal education, the chance to earn a law license, and the freedom to practice in a self-regulating profession are privileges that come with responsibilities. One of the most profound and important is the duty to provide pro bono representation.
Pro bono work is not just an act of charity—it is a professional obligation rooted in the core values of our profession. The American legal system is built on the principle of equal justice under the law, but this ideal can only be realized if everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. The disparities in access to legal services are stark. In Minnesota there is one private attorney for every 203 residents who fall above the legal aid income guidelines, but only one legal aid attorney for every 5,564 residents below those guidelines. Fifty-five percent of individuals who apply for legal assistance are turned away due to a lack of resources. This imbalance means that many individuals who desperately need legal help are left to navigate a complex system on their own.
Last year, 737 members of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) certified that they met the Rule 6.1 guidelines, which call for at least 50 hours of pro bono service per year. Collectively, these North Star Lawyers contributed over 82,000 hours of legal service, valued at more than $20.5 million, to individuals with low incomes. This is an extraordinary contribution, but we need to do more. The need remains great, and the opportunity for each of us to make a difference is ever-present.
Providing pro bono services is more than just fulfilling a professional duty; it is a recognition that our skills as lawyers are not just for the benefit of those who can afford our hourly rates, but also for those who are most in need of our help. When we offer our services pro bono, we are upholding the highest ideals of justice and equality.
Moreover, pro bono work enriches our professional lives. It challenges us to grow, to apply our skills in new ways, and to engage with clients and communities we might not otherwise encounter. It reminds us of why we became lawyers in the first place: to serve, to advocate, and to make a difference.
As we continue our work in the legal profession, I urge each of you to reflect on the privilege that comes with being a lawyer in America. With that privilege comes the responsibility to give back by working to ensure that our legal system serves everyone. By embracing this responsibility, we not only help those in need but also strengthen the very foundation of our profession.
Let us all commit to making pro bono work a central part of our practice. Together, we can provide a lifeline to those who are struggling, offer second chances to those seeking redemption, and uphold the promise of justice for all.
Samuel Edmunds is a criminal law specialist, certified by the state bar since 2015. A former prosecutor, he is the 142nd president of the MSBA. Sam has twice been awarded the Attorney of the Year designation by Minnesota Lawyer. He represents clients and tries cases in criminal courts across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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