The introduction of a billable hour credit for diversity and inclusion work by Hogan Lovells was quickly lauded by many in the market. But a closer look uncovers perhaps a more complex issue: should D&I work be considered a pro bono initiative?

In Hogan Lovells’ case, up to 50 hours of diversity efforts undertaken by U.S. lawyers are set to count towards the target of 1,850 billable hours, at which point pro bono hours can be included in a bonus assessment.