By Cassandra Cummings
Every year attorneys are required to disclose their pro bono activities as part of the bar renewal process. The form has a space to mark stating that you did not provide pro bono services, that you donated to organizations, or that you provided pro bono services. There were several reasons that I was concerned about taking a pro bono case, including the time it would require, the overwhelming number of options, and the fear that I would not know what I was doing. I am sure that many readers can relate to one, or all, of those concerns.
Luckily, early in my career I attended a lunch at my then-firm hosted by representatives from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s (“LACSN”) Children’s Attorney’s Project (“CAP”). They introduced us to CAP, which was created in 1999 with the goal of providing abused and neglected children with a voice so that they can speak up about what they want for their home, family, and future. Prior to CAP’s formation, children did not have separate counsel and, thus, were subject to what the district attorneys and case workers thought was in the children’s best interests.
I signed up for my first CAP case at the conclusion of the presentation. It was nerve-wracking to agree to take on a case so early in my career that was so far outside of any area I had ever practiced. The attorneys at LACSN made the process much less daunting by providing training, pairing me with a mentor, and providing a step-by-step guide for getting started. Additionally, the most common forms are available through LACSN, and everyone is always eager and willing to help the pro bono attorneys.
My first CAP case was heartbreaking. The things my clients experienced were unimaginable. They were two, five, and ten years old when I took the case. I went to the foster home to meet them, and they were, understandably, nervous to meet another new adult. Remembering the training, I informed them that they were my boss and could tell me anything but that I could only share the information they gave me permission to share. The ten-year-old thought this was “pretty cool”; the five-year-old relished the idea of being a boss; and the two-year-old handed me a toy.
I represented those clients for three years during which time we talked about school, activities, the future, and toys. We worked on homework together. They drew pictures for me. I cried at their adoption hearing. The facts of that case stick with me to this day, but they pale in comparison to the feeling of watching those children go from scared and uncertain to happy and loved. I was hooked and signed up for my next case.
There are many benefits of being a CAP attorney, including improvement in communication and observational skills. Communicating legal concepts to children in a way that they will understand and appreciate takes work. Several of my clients have been non-speaking, either because of age or developmental delays, which requires me to observe them in their environment to look for signs that they are happy and thriving. One tip for anyone taking these cases—always bring a legal pad, pens, pencils, and highlighters. Many of my non-speaking clients drew with me before they spoke to me, and I still have their drawings.
I have watched my clients go from non-speaking to talking nonstop and from struggling with education to achieving honors at school. It is my honor and privilege to help my clients through the difficult times in their young lives and to speak up for them when they are unable to do so themselves.
There are other benefits as well. Every year, I get to mark the box on the disclosure form stating that I provided pro bono services. On busy calendar days, some judges will ask if anyone has an open pro bono case and will call that attorney’s case first, no matter where it falls on the docket. My pro bono service has saved me time in court on several occasions. I know that adding hours to our already busy schedules may be overwhelming, but I assure you that it is worth your time and effort. Unfortunately, there is always a need for CAP attorneys. Please consider signing up to take a case. You will not regret the experience.
About the author
Cassandra Cummings is a member of the litigation team at Ladah Law Firm representing individuals who have been injured as the result of another’s negligence. She is in her 14th year as a CAP attorney and mentors new attorneys through the State Bar’s Transitioning into Practice program.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Oct. 2025), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2025/communique-oct-2025/. The printed magazine will be mailed out to CCBA members on October 1, 2025.
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.
© 2025 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.