The Surprising ROI of Legal Aid in a Bankruptcy Practice
I sat down with Chad Van Horn to talk about something most firms treat as an afterthought: legal aid as a core strategy. Chad’s firm partners deeply with Legal Aid Service of Broward County and sponsors pro bono scholars at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). The results aren’t just warm-fuzzy: 29,000+ student hours, hundreds of Chapter 13 filings supported, a reliable hiring pipeline, and firm growth from roughly 50 retains a month to about 400. Check out the full episode, or keep reading for the FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why treat legal aid as a strategic pillar instead of a side project?
- How do the student partnerships actually work?
- Won’t advertising pro bono invite a flood of “free” callers?
- What if I truly don’t have time right now?
- How many matters should I take, and how do I set boundaries?
- Does pro bono quality match paying-client quality in your shop?
- How does this help hiring and culture?
- Does any of this move community outcomes, like pro se filings?
FAQ: Why treat legal aid as a strategic pillar instead of a side project?
You treat legal aid as a strategic pillar because it reliably feeds impact, reputation, and growth at the same time. Chad’s team built systems around pro bono, not exceptions, which turned goodwill into consistent caseflow, community trust, and a brand that clients and referrers rally around.
FAQ: How do the student partnerships actually work?
Student partnerships work by formalizing pro bono tracks with your local law school, setting recognition tiers for hours, and supervising real bankruptcy matters that teach practice, not just theory. In Chad’s program with NSU, 184 students logged 29,175 hours across 380 pro bono cases, including more than 250 Chapter 13 filings, then graduated with hands-on experience that firms value.
FAQ: Won’t advertising pro bono invite a flood of “free” callers?
Advertising pro bono does not invite unmanageable demand if you screen for eligibility and publish a clear policy. Legal aid forwards qualified matters, and everyone else receives flexible payment options or referrals. The key is a known intake rule set so your staff can triage without friction.
FAQ: What if I truly don’t have time right now?
If you truly don’t have time right now, start small and make it routine rather than special. One or two matters per month, every month, beats a quarterly surge that never happens. Consistency lets legal aid count on you and allows your team to schedule pro bono alongside standard work.
FAQ: How many matters should I take, and how do I set boundaries?
Take a fixed, recurring number that fits your capacity, for example two pro bono cases per month, and communicate that quota to legal aid. Clear boundaries prevent overrun while still delivering meaningful access to counsel for people who would otherwise go unrepresented.
FAQ: Does pro bono quality match paying-client quality in your shop?
Pro bono quality should match paying-client quality in your shop, or you risk harming trust. Chad’s rule is simple. A pro bono client receives the same attorney oversight, the same 341 meeting caliber, and the same workflows as any other client. Dignity and standards are non-negotiable.
FAQ: How does this help hiring and culture?
This helps hiring and culture because values attract talent. Candidates routinely choose Van Horn Law Group over higher-pay offers to do meaningful work with a team that serves. Inside the firm, pro bono energizes purpose, teaches judgment, and grows tomorrow’s mentors.
FAQ: Does any of this move community outcomes, like pro se filings?
This moves community outcomes because reliable pro bono supply reduces desperation filings. Chad reports fewer pro se cases in his district as students and volunteers absorb matters that would otherwise land unassisted on the docket, improving fairness and court efficiency for everyone.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Watching our videos and reading our blogs does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney or financial professional about your situation.