Wes Payne

Wes Payne is Chair of the Pro Bono Committee. His bio is available here.

Tell us about your Pro Bono Experience.

Since I joined White and Williams almost 25 years ago, I have been involved with handling pro bono matters. It started as handling matters for VIP and HAP and the relationship with those organizations have grown over the years. Currently, I have the responsibility of either chairing or co-chairing the individual practice groups and chairing the pro bono and community service committee at the firm. Although the administrative side is rewarding, there is just a great deal of satisfaction handling pro bono cases directly and engaging in community activities, such as presentations to schools on civics matters.

Why is pro bono service important to you?

It was impressed upon me as a very young attorney that the members of the profession have an obligation to give back to the community through pro bono activities. This obligation is personal to each attorney. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to give back to our community and make it just a little bit better.

What prompted you to get involved in pro bono service?

My involvement began when one of my former partner’s asked me if I would help out at a pro bono legal clinic. At the clinic, the gentlemen were appreciative of the help. We were able to resolve a number of legal issues and impediments which cleared the way for these gentlemen to obtain permanent housing.

What advice do you have for lawyers who want to get involved in pro bono service?

Find something that interest you and do it well. Everyone person and attorney are not the same and do not have the same interest. So find what interest you and do you pro bono work in that area. It will be rewarding to you in many ways.