Integrating Pro Bono Work for Employment Cases into Practice

By Andre Lagomarsino, Esq.
Kaylee Heiny, Law Clerk, Boyd 2L
Alicia Lay, Law Clerk, Boyd 2L

Facing the justice system without the aid of an attorney is intimidating and complicated. Countless individuals with employment law claims face this process alone because they cannot afford an attorney. These members of our community are shuffled around the justice system while the clock ticks. Employment law can be especially difficult to navigate because it involves agency processes. Legal advice greatly eases this burden.

We have the unique opportunity to clear the bottleneck created by potential employment claims lacking direction. Lending an empathetic ear for free to a potential client at intake ensures the client does not get lost in a perpetual legal shuffle. If their case is not likely to be successful, we can let them know at that moment, avoiding time-consuming work that does not deliver legal relief.

Employment Law Processes

Employment law claimants are on a tight schedule. In Nevada, they must first file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC). This filing is subject to strict deadlines from the final day of discrimination. Claimants may only file a lawsuit after they receive a right to sue notice from the agency, which is subject to a 90-day deadline. Walking claimants through this process is crucial in preventing vital claims from expiring. Regularly checking in and advising claimants of their options–including participating in mediations or filing a formal lawsuit– helps clients achieve their legal goals.

Advantages of Pro Bono Work

Integrating pro bono employment work into practice is a rewarding experience. Clients are appreciative and grateful to receive guidance in a complicated process. If employment law is not a firm specialty, diving into an unfamiliar area can provide valuable education. Our duty as attorneys is to bring to light issues that others fail to remedy. An individual’s lack of funds is not indicative of their claim’s merit. All individuals need fierce advocacy regardless of their ability to pay. Pro bono representation in employment claims allows us to meet a community need and seek justice for those without access.

About the authors

Andre Lagomarsino is the founder of Lagomarsino Law, a law firm based in Henderson, Nevada. The firm represents clients in employment, civil rights, injury, and commercial litigation matters.

Kaylee Heiny is a second-year student at Boyd School of Law. She received her bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kaylee is a law clerk at Lagomarsino Law.

Alicia Lay is a second-year student at Boyd School of Law. She received her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Alicia is a law clerk at Lagomarsino Law.

About the article

© 2024 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.

This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Sep. 2024), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2024/communique-sep-2024/.

The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.