Pro bono makes you happy
We always wondered why all our volunteers have goofy smiles on their faces all the time. Now we know. A recent study shows that people who do pro bono actually are happier! Lawyers are more satisfied when they fulfill the ABA's aspirational goal of 50 hours of pro bono work a year. While only about 46% of lawyers actually meet the goal, those who do report a direct correlation between pro bono work and their own satisfaction. According to the abstract of Levit and Linder's forthcoming article "Happy Law Students, Happy Lawyers" in the Syracuse Law Review, "people who have a richer sense of happiness aren't those who work on their narcissistic personal needs, but those who embrace a larger sense of civic engagement."
This is consistent with research done in the last few years that shows that 'giving' increases happiness and lifespan of Americans. It also explains why I always think I have the best job in the world. I get paid to peddle happiness - and this time around it is legal.
