Pro Bono services are defined as services that are provided for free or offered at reduced costs to institutions or individuals who cannot afford them. These services are generally performed in an area that is not a specialization of the service recipient.
Pro Bono Publico, or "For the Public Good," is a Latin term deriving from the laws of ancient Rome. It was adopted into the English legal lexicon in 1848 and remains used in courtrooms and law offices today. The term is often used to denote work performed on behalf of the public good without compensation or at a reduced fee.
Still, pro bono work was once considered charity work. However, many states have imposed ethical requirements on attorneys requiring a certain amount of pro bono work each year. For this reason, attorneys are now responsible for providing more public service and charity than virtually any other profession in America. Dollar for dollar, attorneys donate more to charitable works than many tax-supported philanthropic organizations.
Despite the many benefits of pro bono work, some issues must be addressed. Some of the challenges lawyers face today are uncertainty over whether lawyers owe entirely exclusive for pro bono clients, conflicts of interest, and concerns over reduced quality in pro bono representation.
Despite all these issues, pro bono work remains one of the most satisfying aspects of being a lawyer. However, legislative action is needed to ensure adequate protections for pro bono clients.
The resources below will educate you more about pro bono legal services, including what pro bono means, why it's needed, and how an attorney can help you.
The law ensures that every person has access to the legal system regardless of their financial resources.
