Commentary by Jack Regan, Co-Chair of WilmerHale's Pro Bono and Community Service Committee

Commentary by Jack Regan, Co-Chair of WilmerHale's Pro Bono and Community Service Committee

Reg Smith is regarded as the father of legal aid in America and served as Hale and Dorr's Managing Partner for 30 years. Before joining Hale and Dorr, he was Counsel to the Boston Legal Aid Society. In 1919, Smith authored the book Justice and the Poor, a study criticizing unequal justice based on wealth which is viewed as the foundation for legal aid work in the US. As managing partner, Reg Smith's organizational and leadership skills led to his recognition as an important pioneer in systematic law office organization. Smith's "Law Office Organization," first published in 1940, remains a popular and practical tool for lawyers today.

In 1951, the American Bar Association awarded Smith the ABA Medal, the highest award that the association confers, for his exceptionally distinguished service to the cause of American jurisprudence. The citation read, in part:

Reginald Heber Smith, while other youthful legal aspirants were refusing to put away childish things, you were coming to grips with the actuality of practice. While they were devoting their time to cultivation of themselves, you were devoting your strength to the assistance of those unable to pay for legal service. The demands of your active early years of practice did not prevent your preparation of a book that founded the modern system of legal aid. All over our land people are receiving more efficient attention from lawyers because of what you have taught us about the businesslike management of our offices. For years your talents have been an influence for good in our Association's publication. Your generous nature and self-effacing love of our profession and of your fellows at the Bar have made you, wherever lawyers are gathered together, the center of an affectionate group who seek the joy of your companionship and the help of your wise counsel.