But what motivates such professionals in an industry already so notorious for unforgiving workloads as well as high burnout and turnover rates, to carve out otherwise billable hours to provide aid to the needy? Why do some, like Ms Rai and other full-time advocates, forgo more lucrative private practice altogether?
Quite simply, the answer is: meaning.
Mr Muslim Albakri, partner at Lighthouse Law, said: “(Pro bono work) helps keep me grounded and allows me to apply my legal expertise to real-world social issues in our community.”
He makes it a point to take up two to three CLAS cases each year, on top of being involved in Peguam – a society of Malay-Muslim legal professionals running various initiatives to raise legal awareness and provide legal assistance to the community.
