At some point in our careers, we tend to think: how do I give back to society?
It’s a moment in our lives where we realise that true, consistent satisfaction does not come from the revenue per annum or the grand accolades on our shelves. It lies in simple joys and acts of kindness. Deep down, we all have a calling, a purpose, something we believe in and want to dedicate our efforts towards. It could be anything: animal welfare, LGBTQIA+ empowerment, climate action, equal education, poverty alleviation, etc.
Doing things for free, charity and pro bono work are considered ‘good’ practices. If that moves you a step closer to your calling, brilliant. If it doesn’t, no problem. No positive change is too big or too small, too expensive or too cheap. Systemic change is created when the cycle of social impact is in the heart of our society and not on the borderlines of it. Let’s build a world where lawyers are at the forefront of social innovation.
How can I give back to society by being a lawyer?
The pro bono way
The widely practiced method of giving your time, energy and resources for free to vulnerable communities and causes works well. Involving your employees and encouraging them to take up pro bono work will also create a sustained model of social impact in a team/firm of any size.
Integrating social impact frameworks within your business model
Law firms globally are defining social good by taking up social impact client services. These are regular clients like impact investors, social financiers, foundations, social enterprises who work towards strategic social purposes.
Other lawyers have specific segments that cater to start-ups, small and midsize businesses that have innovative and thoughtful business models. Yours can be a uniquely crafted social impact arm that works for your business goals.
Being ethical with your business practices and continuously reshaping your environmental responsibility makes social impact a sustainable cycle rather than an after-thought. As Hannele Korhonen said in her article ‘3 strategies for lawyers to create social impact’, “you need to know what impact your actions have on the environment, society and people.”
Practical tips outside work hours
- Associate with an NGO or a credible social-impact collective organisation.
- Sign-up for recurring donations through trustable crowdfunding apps or third party organisations.
- Volunteer on holidays with education or training programs for underprivileged communities in your locality.
- Start and lead your own community project in your free time! All you have to do is act on it.
- Go ahead with individual acts of kindness.
- I opted to become a committee member for an Education Society which operates residential schools and colleges for underprivileged students. I decided to join them to offer legal assistance.
- I love animals. Animal welfare fulfils my being. I am one part of the trust which operates a Cow Shelter (Gaushala) that shelters more than 30 old, unproductive and abandoned cows. Walking my dog Haachi or feeding street dogs food from time-to-time, makes me happy!
- I have signed up for recurring donations with UNICEF, who is the global leader promoting and protecting children’s rights in 190 countries, including India.
Whatever your way of giving back and fulfilling your calling, go for it. The world needs it, and so do you.