Our Extraordinary Pro Bono Lawyers: Following Their Lead in Difficult Times.

• Author: Foster-Morales, Dori
• Position: Florida Bar

Earlier this year, I was honored to present The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Awards to recognize an extraordinary group of lawyers who set the gold standard for how we, in our profession, can give back to our communities. The annual awards went to 21 lawyers who made justice in Florida more accessible and encouraged other Florida Bar members to follow their lead. After a tough several months adjusting to the issues brought on by COVID-19, these lawyers gave me a reason to celebrate. Bar members who donate countless hours of their time to pro bono service not only help to fill the accessto-justice gap by assisting those less fortunate, they show us what virtue, patience, and compassion look like in times when it's not always easy to do the right thing. They truly have gone above and beyond in terms of pro bono service despite the incredible challenges we have all faced this year.

For the record, our most recent figures show that over the period of July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, Florida Bar members donated an outstanding 1.3 million hours of pro bono service to Floridians in need, as well as $6.3 million to legal aid organizations.

Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." The act of giving has power to both the giver and the receiver. Studies show that you feel better when you do something for others. Helping those who cannot afford legal assistance, especially in these trying times, can be just the mood-booster we need. Although we now are seeing the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, which has lifted my spirits, there are still so many unknowns for the future. More patience is required as we move forward.

Many lawyers are now marking an entire year of practicing virtually, instead of collectively in our offices as we did pre-pandemic. We have had to adjust to a new normal, and the stresses and difficulties associated with this transition takes time and patience. Who can guess how much longer we'll interact using social distancing measures as a guide for everyday life? How much more patience do we need? The example of our pro bono colleagues helps us see that although unknowns are...