The lure of pro-bono work is the involvement with some project or company that captures your spirit and passion. It may be a start-up entertainment company, with the glamour of that industry. It may be a political or community project that you believe in and want to further. It may be a charismatic leader that you want to support in her efforts.

First, sort out if this is a professional pro-bono opportunity, or a personal contribution you want to make. Then assign it to its proper time: within the business time; or not.

Your professional pro-bono work

1. Limit your professional pro bono work to one pro bono client at a time, even it that relationship lasts for years. This means you will say no to all other requests.

2. Make sure there is a win-win involved: your professional pro bono client should offer you some professional gain other than compensation (e.g., exposure to potential clients; speaking gigs; publication of your writings; opportunities for involvement that will somehow directly enhance your practice).

3. Offer your basic expertise on a consistent basis. Do not assume (however informally) any key leadership role, project or responsibility that should be fulfilled by a paid executive or staffer. This would be unpaid work, not a pro bono contribution. And your fulfilling this role unbalances the organization’s chart and understanding of what staff and overhead are required, since you are not a key employee.

4. Be clear with your pro bono client how many hours each month are available from you, and control that time. Manage these expectations for both of you.

5. If asked to do an in-depth project, offer to do this at your standard (or slightly reduced, say 10-20%) consulting fees. Make sure the project will not interfere with your paid client work.