23. What are Pro Bono Attorneys?

A Pro Bono attorney is a licensed legal practitioner who provides legal services to less privileged people in the US. Here, the authorities will facilitate legal help such as advice, representation, and documentation, depending upon the case and its requirements. These lawyers would be highly qualified in their field of expertise. Therefore, you don't have to worry if they will have the skills to help you with your case.

Sometimes, these lawyers can engage in cases that diverge from their area of experience. Even then, you don't have to worry much about it as they would have conducted a detailed study and investigated the matter thoroughly while indulging in the case.

As per the American Bar Association, a Pro Bono attorney has to complete 50 hours of free legal service in the US annually. It comes under Rule 6.1 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Here, the lawyer would gain credit points for the services rendered. In the US, every lawyer has to earn credit points as part of Continuing Legal Education (CLE).

While engaging in Pro Bono services, attorneys will receive a single credit score for five hours of Pro Bono. However, the number of credits required for each licensed lawyer practicing in the US will vary, depending upon the state where you practice law. The authorities can also bring changes to these regulations from time to time.

In most places, except New York, you can practice as a Pro Bono attorney after completing your education and receiving a license from the American Bar Association. It doesn't consider the legal services offered by law students as illegal as they provide them under the supervision of an experienced lawyer. However, in New York, you have to complete 50 hours of mandatory Pro Bono service before registering yourself as a licensed lawyer with the American Bar Association.

Although Pro Bono services are mandatory, 20% of lawyers in the US don't provide them, stating a lack of time. However, four out of five lawyers practicing in the US consider Pro Bono an essential service as per a survey. They encourage every lawyer to become a Pro Bono attorney and offer their service to underprivileged people. Through this, people facing discrimination and a lack of representation can present themselves in front of the law equally and request justice.

You can find Pro Bono attorneys and details about them by contacting the local Bar association. They will have a directory or database with relevant information on different attorneys, their experience, specialization, and other details. You can also look into the references and recommendations offered by NGOs and other communities. You can reach out to law schools, law firms, and individual lawyers to find the right Pro Bono attorney for your case.

Once you have found your attorney, remember to prepare yourself beforehand with all your questions. It will save time and also enhance the effectiveness of your conversation. Also, communicate with your Pro Bono attorney if there are any changes with your living circumstances or contact information.

Why Do People Need Pro Bono Attorneys?

People need Pro Bono attorneys to help them handle their civil cases. It is essential for those who face financial issues to manage their case without running into other legal constraints. Here are some reasons you need to opt for a Pro Bono attorney in the US.

1. It is a way to attain equal representation in front of the court without going bankrupt. As you would know, hiring a lawyer by paying their standard fees is more than most low and middle-income families can afford.

2. Although you can represent yourself in court, it isn't a wise decision for you to make. It is because you might be unaware of the deadlines, different procedures involved, paperwork, etc. With the assistance of a Pro Bono lawyer, you will receive ample guidance and assistance to handle these matters efficiently. However, if you have experience practicing law or are a law student, you can move forward with your case with no Pro Bono help.

These are the main reasons you need to find a Pro Bono attorney when you face a civil issue in the US.

What Do Pro Bono Attorneys Expect from You?

Since most Pro Bono lawyers will be busy with their schedules, they expect a few things from you. They include:

1. They would expect you to behave appropriately without speaking against them, threatening, or harassing them. These can be verbal or physical abuse that can have an adverse impact.

2. Pro Bono lawyers would have many paying clients they would have to provide their services. As they accommodate you to their client list via Pro Bono, you should value their time. Therefore, you have to prepare yourself before you meet the lawyer. You can note down the questions or doubts you have and attain a clarity of thoughts before calling or meeting them. Also, you have to be on time for the meetings based on the time schedule given to you by your Pro Bono attorney.

3. Communicating effectively with your Pro Bono attorney is essential. Please avoid making any last-minute requests and facilitate your attorney with ample time to work on your case. Explain your problems clearly while you meet with the lawyer.

4. You have to follow up with your lawyer from time to time. You also need to facilitate all the details requested by your lawyer. If you cannot provide them on time, inform your Pro Bono attorney and let them know when you will furnish them.

5. Notify your lawyer if there have been any changes in your lifestyle, including your job, place you live, etc. Also, if you have found another lawyer to look into your case, you will have to update the same with the Pro Bono lawyer.