In the U.S. today, according to Forbes, about 28% of full-time employees have adapted to a hybrid work model, and one of every eight work solely from home.

“Cisco is proud of our approach to hybrid work. Our technology enables it, and our culture supports it,” explains Pablo Castro, Cisco Legal’s Pro Bono program leader. “But it means we must think differently about connection. Pro Bono has become an extremely effective tool in bringing people together.”

Castro points to efforts in Atlanta, where the local Cisco Legal team joined forces with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (PBPA). As part of the PBPA Legal Check Up Clinic, more than 45 attorneys and business professionals from the area donating more than 270 hours of pro bono time in support of 12 nonprofit organizations. The Clinic included in-depth training for the attorneys on issues that are common to nonprofit organizations, which enabled volunteers to identify nearly 140 new legal needs for clients.

“The Legal Check Up Clinic is rewarding to both the clients and the volunteer attorneys. Clients receive real-time feedback from seasoned attorneys, and the attorneys receive the opportunity to give back to their community in a truly meaningful way,” shared Kerri Braun, who participated in the clinic and is a member of the Pro Bono Committee. “It’s also refreshing to reconnect with peers from different firms and companies and analyze legal issues that you may not encounter every day. The Clinic is a place where I can forge new connections and keep my legal skills sharp.”

“Cisco volunteers are helping our legal aid partners scale to serve more clients than they could otherwise reach by themselves,” Castro explains. “While doing this great work, our team members have been able to connect in-person, deepen relationships with colleagues, and network with attorneys and business professionals from other law firms and companies. That’s especially valuable in today’s business environment.”

Published October 2024