Welcome
ProBonoLawyers.com is dedicated to connecting people in need with attorneys and lawyers willing to do pro bono work.
Pro Bono Publico is Latin for “for the public good.” The term is generally used to describe professional work taken on voluntarily and without payment as a public service. Pro bono service, unlike general volunteering, uses the specific skills of trained professionals to help people who need assistance but cannot afford to pay for it.
Did you know the American Bar Association encourages lawyers in the United States to complete up to 50 hours of pro bono service each year? Not every lawyer meets this goal, but many do give their time to help those who need it most.
That is the idea behind ProBonoLawyers.com.
Being involved with the court system is not easy, even for people who have the resources to hire professional help. For many of us living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of hiring an attorney for a long legal matter can feel overwhelming, and sometimes simply impossible.
Fortunately, we are not alone. There are resources available to help.
Pro Bono Lawyer Programs
Many state bar associations coordinate legal services for people who can demonstrate financial hardship. These programs may also help individuals facing circumstances such as domestic violence, social injustice, chronic illness, military service, or challenges faced by the elderly.
These programs exist because many lawyers believe strongly in a justice system that is fair and accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Sliding Scale Legal Services
Even people with modest incomes may not qualify for pro bono services. For that reason, some states offer sliding scale legal programs.
These programs allow individuals to receive legal help at reduced rates based on income. In some cases the services are partially subsidized, and in other cases attorneys simply choose to offer their services at a lower cost to help people who might otherwise go without representation.
Federal Programs
The federal government also funds programs that help lower income Americans navigate the legal system. These programs often focus on civil matters such as housing disputes, unlawful eviction, domestic violence protection, or certain military related benefits.
Public Defenders
You may have heard a police officer say, “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.”
This refers to a public defender. If someone is charged with a criminal offense, they have the right to legal representation. Public defenders are attorneys employed by the government who provide defense for individuals who qualify under court guidelines.
Sometimes We Are Our Own Best Advocates
Some local governments have programs that help people help themselves.
Contacting your local courthouse or county bar association can sometimes uncover resources you might not expect. Many counties offer legal clinics, assistance with filing paperwork, or public law libraries where people can research legal matters and learn about their options.
Sometimes the help you need is only a phone call away.
Types of Cases Sometimes Handled Pro Bono
Attorneys who offer pro bono services may assist with a variety of matters including:
Community Economic Development
Consumer Issues
Child Custody
Dissolution of Marriage
Education
Elder Law
Employment
Health
Housing
Individual Rights
Juvenile Matters
Public Benefits
Real Estate
Termination of Parental Rights
Wills and Estate Matters
AIDS/HIV Issues
Adoption
Important Disclaimer
ProBonoLawyers.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Nothing on this site creates an attorney client relationship.
This website should be considered a directory intended to help people locate attorneys who may offer pro bono or reduced cost services.
ProBonoLawyers.com does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or availability of any information listed on this website, and does not endorse or recommend any particular attorney or legal service.
This website should be used as one of many possible resources when searching for legal assistance.