Where to find a pro bono attorney

12. Where to Find a Pro Bono Attorney?

What is a Pro Bono Attorney?

Pro Bono, also known as Pro Bono Publico, refers to doing something for the public good, expecting no financial benefits. However, it has become an act often associated with providing legal services free of cost.

In addition, the American Bar Association has created a mandate as part of Rule 6.1 of the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Here, every lawyer in the US has to complete 50 hours of Pro Bono service annually. There are different reasons lawyers engage in Pro Bono services, ranging from improving their skills, building connections, networking, or trying out new fields to enhance their career as a lawyer.

Law firms, independent lawyers, law students, and others practicing law provide Pro Bono services. However, each of them has their reason for offering this assistance. For instance, a law firm would engage with Pro Bono to improve its reputation, and a law student would do so as a way to build their skills. Many others offer these services as part of their goodwill and desire to help people.

Depending on the state, there are varying guidelines for each state providing Pro Bono services. Most places permit lawyers to engage in Pro Bono only after attaining a license to practice law. However, it is different in New York, where you have to complete 50 hours of Pro Bono service as a law student before completing their American Bar Association's application. It is a mandate put forward by the New York government in 2012.

Similarly, lawyers engage with Pro Bono cases to get Continuing Legal Education credit points. It is essential for lawyers to get these scores, as it is a requirement for legal practice. While engaging in Pro Bono cases, you will receive one credit every five hours. Coming to the legal condition, the number of credit lawyers needed can vary from one state to another.

While searching for a Pro Bono service near you, it is beneficial to know about these factors. You have to reach out to lawyers accordingly and see if they are willing to offer Pro Bono at that point in time.

Benefits of Retaining a Pro Bono Attorney

There are different reasons for retaining a Pro Bono attorney. Although you can seek legal assistance otherwise, it can be expensive. If you are struggling financially, providing full payment and hiring a lawyer might not be a solution. It is when you have to opt for a Pro Bono attorney to look into your case and offer you the correct guidance. Here are some benefits associated with having a Pro Bono attorney.

1. As mentioned above, hiring a lawyer in the US can be expensive. You might need to spend approximately $3000 if you hire an attorney to handle your case. These charges exclude other additional bills and paralegal costs. It is when you can consider opting for a Pro Bono attorney who can help you save money.

2. A Pro Bono attorney can help attain equality and overcome situations like a lack of representation.

3. With the assistance of a Pro Bono attorney, you can get a better understanding of legal matters.

Apart from this, hiring a Pro Bono officer can benefit you based on your case too.

Where Can You Find a Pro Bono Attorney?

You can find a Pro Bono attorney from here:

Bar Association

The American Bar Association can help you find Pro Bono services in the US through a directory roadmap. Here, you can look into listings of lawyers based on their specialization, case type, experience, etc. Similarly, you can also find lawyers offering Pro Bono services from your State Bar Association.

Here, you can find information about committees, individual lawyers, and other organizations that can help resolve these issues faced by people with financial constraints or marginalization.

Non-profit Organization

In the US, there are several NGOs providing legal aid programs to those who have an income 125% lower than the federal average. Most of these organizations receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation or LSC. LSC provides financial assistance to 132 NGOs in the US.

Apart from organizations that come under the LSC, there are other self-funded programs providing legal help and Pro Bono services, regardless of the income mandate. Here, they facilitate assistance if you are a senior citizen, a domestic violence victim, an HIV+ patient, etc.,

Local Law School

Contacting a law school in your area can be yet another way for you to find Pro Bono services. Most law schools in the US offer Pro Bono to equip their law students with the essential skills when they become licensed lawyers. It is yet another way for them to enhance their problem-solving abilities and help them narrow or broaden their career choices.

However, you don't have to worry as a law student will only handle your case with legal supervision from an experienced lawyer.

Law Firms

As part of corporate social responsibility, law firms have to offer Pro Bono services. It is a way through which they improve their public reputation and attention. You can find details about law firms in your locality by performing a simple Google search. Most law firms will furnish this information on their website, and it will be easier for you to shortlist them.

How to Cooperate with Your Pro Bono Attorney?

Here are different ways by which you can cooperate with your Pro Bono attorney:

1. You have to respect their time, and before visiting them, ensure you have prepared yourself for the meeting. You can note down the questions before meeting with the lawyer personally.

2. Communication is an integral factor, and you have to make sure that you convey your concerns quickly and clearly.

3. It is essential to restrain yourself from harassment, threats, or abusive behavior while approaching a Pro Bono attorney.

4. Notify your Pr Bono attorney if you have found another lawyer or if there have been any changes in your personal or professional life that may impact the case. For instance, it can be a change in your personal address or living circumstances.