Law firms have not escaped the impact of the current economic decline. Many are deferring start dates of their 2009 incoming associates for up to a year, while others are downsizing their workforce. As a result, a number of law firms are offering these deferred and/or laid-off associates the opportunity to volunteer at a public interest agency for a significant period of time, with financial incentives attached.

As law firms and public interest agencies try to make sense of these new relationships, we strongly encourage them to connect with an organization established to help facilitate successful placements, if one exists in their region. These organizations include: