A pro bono lawyer is a lawyer who agrees to take all or a portion of a case at no cost to the client and collects no fee from any other source. The term "pro bono" is short for pro bono publico, which means "for the public good" in Latin. Pro bono work is important because it helps ensure access to justice for those who cannot afford a lawyer. Attorneys have a professional responsibility to provide access to justice for those who cannot afford it.
Pro bono work is not just beneficial for clients, but also for attorneys. It can provide practical experience and a chance to see how lawyers operate in the real world. Law school courses are often academic and theoretical, whereas pro bono service is hands-on and puts attorneys in touch with individuals and organizations struggling with real-life issues and challenges. Pro bono work can also expose attorneys to areas of practice that they might not otherwise be aware of or have the opportunity to engage in, and lay the groundwork for future pro bono and professional opportunities.
Pro bono work is not limited to the legal profession. Professionals in many fields offer pro bono services to nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, universities, national charities, churches, and foundations.
To find a pro bono lawyer, one can contact a program that specializes in providing pro bono lawyers to those in need, such as a local bar association or legal aid organization. Various nonprofit organizations work to encourage lawyers to volunteer to help those in need. Clients may be required to answer various financial and other questions to ensure they qualify for pro bono services. Legal clinics are also available as a way to provide free legal advice and handle intake for any pro bono or volunteer lawyer programs.
