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CATERPILLAR INC. 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW
40
COMMON GROUND
Pro Bono Has
its Benefi ts
A Conversation with Jim Buda,
Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Offi cer
Caterpillar’s legal services team has a reputation for “pro bono” work.
What exactly does that mean?
The words “pro bono” come from the Latin “pro bono publico,” which
means “for the public good.” It describes providing professional services
to those in need and is often associated with providing free legal services
to people who could not otherwise afford them. Caterpillar encourages
all types of volunteer work, and we’re proud to provide volunteer legal
assistance throughout the world.
In an age of limited corporate resources, why does Caterpillar
continue to put such an emphasis on community service and
pro bono work?
First and foremost, it’s important to give back to our communities.
If we can help an individual who is struggling, then we need to do so.
The pro bono work we do gives our lawyers and legal professionals
an opportunity to help people. It is also a recruiting tool; candidates
like the fact that Caterpillar offers a more balanced life than a career
at a law fi rm might, plus a clear opportunity to engage in pro bono
work. There’s a great sense of teamwork among our team, and part
of that is due to our shared commitment to serve the communities
where our people live and work.
What type of pro bono work does Caterpillar’s legal services team
typically perform?
We often provide individual services such as helping someone obtain a
protective order. Or we might hold a clinic to help small businesses
determine whether they have proper insurance coverage or whether
they need to be incorporated. For our non-U.S. lawyers, who live in
places where pro bono legal work is not as customary, we give them
the opportunity to partner with outside counsel or other Caterpillar
lawyers on projects for humanitarian organizations.
How do members of your department balance their time between their
day jobs and their pro bono projects?
Very carefully. Caterpillar is our main client, so we get the job done for
Caterpillar fi rst – all other work comes second. But our people are great
at managing work, and the pro bono program is something that is
important to us. We don’t require anyone to participate in the pro bono
program, but more than 80 percent of our legal professionals do. In 2013,
we donated more than 1,500 hours of legal services throughout the
world, which amounts to well over a half million dollars of pro bono legal
work. Plus, Our Values in Action include integrity, excellence, teamwork,
commitment and sustainability, and I think that’s part of what drives
our passion.
Beyond legal services, what other types of community service does
the Law and Public Policy group engage in?
Caterpillar employees are very generous with their time and demonstrate
the community spirit that is embedded in Our Values in Action. We
encourage all of our colleagues worldwide to donate their time. The
Caterpillar Foundation is supported by our group, and that drives home
the need to help others. From cleaning up a park to building homes, or
volunteering with Junior Achievement or the United Way, our team is
always ready to reach out and get the job done.