Charity Should Begin at HomeCharity Should Begin at Home

The saying that “charity begins at home” is typically cited to justify a lack of philanthropic activity, but it can be turned around to mean just the opposite: By modeling philanthropic behavior at home for their children, parents can influence them to have a sense of social responsibility toward those who need our help. This behavior encompasses not only writing checks to causes we care about, but also volunteerism, taking the kids along on the midnight run or volunteering at a soup kitchen or whatever the family cause happens to be.

Likewise, from a practice development and management standpoint, the attorney’s or estate planner’s personal philanthropy, particularly board service, can help guide clients and broaden one’s network. In thi...