For those of who who have read my blog for a long time (or probably even new readers), you're used to reading about my adventures in food and drink, with a generally amusing jackass story peppered in for good measure. But today, I want to talk about the other big part of my life -- pro bono.
As you may know, I run the pro bono program at a large law firm. People often ask me if I would give up my "day job" to become a full time food writer. At this point in my life, absolutely not. Some people give back to the community outside their jobs, but I learned early on that I am happiest when my work itself gives back to the community. After a brief stint as a litigator, which wasn't particularly fulfilling to me, I worked hard to build a career in the pro bono world. It has always been incredibly important to me that my work has an impact in the world, and with minor exceptions, every job I have had is somehow in the public interest. I love food and drink, but in the end, it's not going to cure the world's evils, help keep a family from being kicked out on the streets, keep a domestic violence victim away from her abuser, or give someone the safety of political asylum. The work I do every day ultimately achieves those goals, which is incredibly fulfilling.
Image courtesy of Hugh at Gaping Void.



Bravo!
Posted by: Steven Schulman | November 24, 2009 at 09:35 AM