Law firm Adams and Reese LLP is requiring all of its attorneys to conduct 10 hours of free legal work per year in 2007.

Adams and Reese is based in New Orleans. The requirement will increase to 20 hours in 2008.

While pro bono work is not a new concept, in most states and many law firms, it is not a requirement. The new initiative at Adams and Reese requires the participation of all attorneys, including the most senior management, a spokesman said.

The firm kicked off the initiative by announcing a partnership with Appleseed, a network of 17 public interest law centers across the county.

"We believe it is every attorney's ethical obligation to perform pro bono work and, in support of our affiliation with Appleseed, we have made these hours obligatory," Charles "Chuck" P. Adams, the firm's managing partner, stated in a release. "Community service is part of being an Adams and Reese attorney; it's a core component of our corporate culture."

Adams and Reese has about 300 lawyers in nine offices, including Birmingham and Mobile.