Pro bono services

21. Pro Bono Services

Sometimes you might require legal assistance, especially in civil cases related to family law, personal injury, employment, etc. If you don't have the financial grounds to hire a lawyer, you can opt for Pro Bono services. Thus, you can gain equal representation in front of the law and present your case.

Different lawyers and law firms are offering Pro Bono services for several reasons. They range from a commitment to bringing justice for all to enhancing their reputation to attain high-profile cases in the future. Here, we will walk you through the various aspects of Pro Bono services that can benefit you.

What is Pro Bono?

Pro Bono, also known as Pro Bono Publico, is a Latin phrase that focuses on doing good to others, expecting no financial benefits. Lawyers in the US provide Pro Bono services as part of their professional careers to help those who lack legal representation and advice. Here, attorneys won't charge you for looking into your civil cases.

Remember that you can avail yourself of free legal aid from the court for all criminal cases. If the court finds you indignant or your annual income is less than 125% of the federal average, the court will allocate a public defender to help you with the case. But, this isn't the case for civil cases, including divorce, child custody, car accidents, employment issues, etc. Here, you have to seek Pro Bono services to assist you with your case and bring you to justice.

Licensed lawyers practicing in the US have to engage in Pro Bono services as per the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association states that every licensed lawyer in the US has to complete 50 hours of Pro Bono as part of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It could be representing a person in court or even helping the authorities frame a new law.

While hiring a Pro Bono lawyer to help you with a case, you have to perform your research. You can consult your local bar association to find information on Pro Bono lawyers extending their services in your area. It would be beneficial, as you can discover more about the experience, case types, specialization, and other details before hiring a lawyer.

You can find a Pro Bono lawyer by reaching out to a local law firm or law school. Connecting with non-governmental organizations can also be helpful, as they can refer you to lawyers who provide Pro Bono services.

Benefits of Choosing Pro Bono Services

If you have opted for Pro Bono services, you might have considered a few factors closely before making that decision. It can range from financial benefits to obtaining free legal representation in court. Now, let's examine these benefits in detail:

1. You may have thought of moving forward with the case without legal backing or assistance. It could be because of a lack of funds or the unawareness of free legal aid offered by the American Bar Association. By opting for Pro Bono services, you don't have to worry about the complex procedures, deadlines, and documentation. Your Pro Bono lawyer will look into them after studying your case. Through this, your chances of attaining success improve.

2. Most people who face civil cases in the US belong to low or middle-income households. Hiring a lawyer by paying thousands of dollars is near impossible for them. Due to this, they avoid having legal representation in court, which affects the basic foundation of the US legal system that focuses on bringing equality. Therefore, through Pro Bono services, the US government endeavors to establish that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to gain justice.

3. When you face financial constraints, hiring a lawyer could be challenging. Instead, with Pro Bono services, you can get legal advice, legal representation, and help with documentation for free.

4. There are a variety of lawyers, law schools, and law firms offering Pro Bono services in the US. You can choose experienced and highly qualified lawyers to assist you with your case without paying anything.

Problems of Opting for Pro Bono Services

Similar to any service, Pro Bono also has its demerits and issues. Here are some problems associated with choosing Pro Bono services in the US:

1. Although some Pro Bono lawyers might commit to your case, it isn't always the same. Sometimes, the lawyer would only help you with some parts of your case. It could be research, legal advice, draft pleadings, etc. It will depend upon your case and the lawyer's decision.

2. Since lawyers are busy with their paid clients, only a few will be willing to dedicate their time to your case. Therefore, it can be a time-consuming process to find a lawyer who is ready to help you with your case. So, you would have to spend a lot of time researching and looking into the availability of the lawyers. Here, you might not have the freedom to select a lawyer according to your decision.

3. There are issues related to Pro Bono funding, and due to this, many law firms and lawyers don't encourage a lot of Pro Bono cases.

4. You might have to work with a lawyer who doesn't have expertise in your case's field. Besides, you could get law students as your Pro Bono lawyers.

Who Qualifies for Pro Bono Services?

Not everyone who thinks they can't afford a lawyer can attain Pro Bono services. There are some guidelines and rules based on which lawyers in a state would take a person and their case under Pro Bono. Currently, you become eligible for Pro Bono services if your annual income is less than 125% of the federal average. Here, the number of members in your family and the state where you have your case also matter.