Pro bono work is seldom characterized by quick fixes. When firms sign on to cases involving pressing needs and controversial causes, they make a commitment of time and resources that can last for years. Such is the case with three of the areas that helped define the past decade: the evolution of public and judicial skepticism about the death penalty and its application; the fight to obtain fair and humane treatment for detainees at Guantánamo Bay; and the struggle to protect and aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. In each of these areas, our reporters found, pro bono lawyers have made slow, steady progress over the years—but much more work remains to be done.