News
Ejike Ndaji | 1 August 2025
The win-win of giving back – How volunteering empowers us
Mahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
My father Francis Ndaji’s life mission has always been to make better the lives of those whose paths cross with his – ranging from family and friends to those who are barely known to him. Following his endearing example, my purpose in life has always been to utilise my platform and skillset as a legal professional to empower others and the community at large.
As a young student with ambitions of someday practising in the legal industry and emulating the achievements of my heroes, including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama, I hoped to be in positions where I could apply the knowledge of my legal career towards enhancing the causes championed by charities and organisations operating in the not-for-profit sectors.
I consider myself lucky to have achieved these goals as a current Trustee of The Solicitors’ Charity and having served on the boards of charities and not-for-profits, including Red Balloon School for Bullied Children and Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS), and as CEO of the Norfolk Benevolent Medical Society (NBMS).
“Volunteering is a powerful way for legal professionals to give back while simultaneously investing in our own development and the standing of our firm or organisation.”
Volunteering with charities offers a wealth of benefits for lawyers, extending well beyond altruism to encompass significant professional growth, personal enrichment, and enhanced reputation. These benefits include:
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Professional skills development
For lawyers at any stage of their career, pro bono work provides invaluable opportunities to hone existing legal skills and cultivate new ones. Junior lawyers often gain more direct client contact, responsibility, and hands-on experience in areas like client advising, advocacy, and case management than they might in their typical fee-earning roles. This accelerated exposure can significantly boost their practical expertise.
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Exposure to new areas of law
Volunteering frequently exposes lawyers to new areas of law, broadening their understanding and potentially sparking new specialisations. A commercial lawyer, for instance, might delve into social welfare, immigration, or human rights law, expanding their legal toolkit and versatility.
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Training ground for soft skills
Charity work is a fantastic training ground for key skills including communication, teamwork, leadership, strategic planning, and client handling. These transferable skills are invaluable in any legal setting.
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Real-world experience
For aspiring lawyers, pro bono engagement offers crucial real-world experience, providing a realistic glimpse into the legal profession, building confidence, and helping them clarify their career aspirations. It is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context.
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Mentorship and networking
Volunteering can be a rich source of mentorship and networking. Lawyers interact with diverse individuals, including community leaders, business owners, and other legal professionals – creating opportunities for guidance, potential references, and even future job prospects.
- Personal fulfilment and social impact
The most apparent benefit of volunteering is the profound sense of personal fulfilment that comes from making a tangible difference. Lawyers can provide vital assistance to underserved communities who often cannot afford legal representation. This directly contributes to improving access to justice, helping individuals secure housing, maintain employment, or protect their families. The ability to witness the positive impact of their work can be incredibly rewarding.
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Reputation and Business Advantages
Engaging in charity work offers substantial benefits for both individual lawyers and law firms. For individuals, it showcases dedication, passion, and skills development – qualities that make a CV stand out to potential employers and can even lead to new career paths within the charitable sector.
For law firms (and organisations with in-house counsel), supporting and encouraging pro bono work enhances their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) credentials, boosts employee morale, and helps attract top talent who value ethical, socially conscious workplaces. Firms with strong pro bono programmes are often seen as more desirable employers.
“Lawyers lend their invaluable expertise to those in need, while simultaneously enriching their own professional lives, finding deeper personal satisfaction, and bolstering their individual and firm’s standing within the community. It is a strategic investment in both personal and professional growth.”
I cannot overstate the benefits to be gained by lawyers and law firms by giving up their time to serve others and the community through volunteering. Volunteering (through pro bono work and as a charity trustee) has changed my life for the better and I would strongly encourage lawyers of all levels, junior or senior, to consider doing it because it is truly worth it.
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