Basics

The basic idea behind pro bono services is the belief that everyone, regardless of their financial condition or status, should have equal access in the courts. Pro bono attorneys are not limited to the United States; they are found in many countries throughout the world.

Types

Many U.S. state bar associations require their member firms to provide pro bono work, not only to individuals lacking the means to pay legal bills but also to organizations that assist indigent people as well as civic and educational institutions that are unable to receive adequate legal assistance. Pro bono work can run the gamut from administrative, tax, civil and criminal law.

Finding a Pro Bono Lawyer

Lawyers who accept pro bono work are often assigned a certain amount of billable hours that are given at no cost to clients. Some attorneys will work beyond their allotted hours. Finding a pro bono lawyer might take some phone and Internet work because many firms do not advertise this offer. A pro bono coordinator is offered at some firms, so a first step in calling a firm is asking if they have a coordinator. If not, ask if they offer pro bono work. An alternative is to go to your state bar association's website, which should list attorneys accepting pro bono clients.

Interesting Options

There are a number of pro bono options available. One targeted at military veterans is offered by the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program. This nonprofit organization provides free attorney services to qualifying veterans and their family members. The American Bar Association (ABA) has created a program to entice retired lawyers to use their skills and contribute 500 hours of pro bono work per year. This concept is adding increasing numbers of seasoned attorneys to the pro bono pool.

Numbers

One of the many unfortunate consequences of a downturning economy is that law firms, like other businesses, are laying off employees. This reduces the number of lawyers who might offer pro bono work. To help the growing ranks of people unable to afford legal costs, the Legal Services Corp., a nonprofit organization created by Congress, has seen its funding increased to provide more pro bono access to people in need of equal and affordable justice.

Source:

Senior Lawyers

Pro Bono Program

Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

Resource:

Pro Bono Sites