How far has the acceptance of pro bono come in the law departments of large companies? At least two have made it mandatory.

That was one surprising nugget that the Pro Bono Institute‘s Esther Lardent mentioned when she met with a group of ALM reporters and editors Monday morning. Abbott Laboratories and American Airlines now require their lawyers and legal staffs to pitch in 10 hours a year, said Lardent, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.