How do I get a pro bono lawyer?

Recently on our legal forum a user asked, “I have legal issues and I cannot afford a lawyer. I know that the state provides a lawyer to some alleged criminals but can I get free legal services if I have a civil case and need some legal help. What are my options for finding a pro bono lawyer to work my civil case?”

What is a pro bono lawyer?

A lawyer who works pro bono has agreed to provide legal services either at a reduced cost or no-cost to the litigant. Pro bono lawyers can be found at the state and local level by contacting different groups.

For example, some lawyers' bar associations may have attorneys who've agreed to devote a share of their time to providing free legal representation to eligible clients. There are also certain federally funded programs which might have attorneys or paralegals that provide services to certain clients. Charitable organizations also work with individuals who need help.

If you cannot find a lawyer you may have other options to get legal help from law students or professors or court house facilitators. Although these groups of individuals will not be bar certified or have a law degree, it’s likely they will know more about the US legal system than you might and they can help guide you through the process.

Will all lawyers provide pro bono work?

Although the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct urge every lawyer to provide legal services “to those unable to pay” and recommends individual lawyers to “aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono legal services per year,” it is not a requirement for all lawyers. In fact, some lawyers may have the option to simply provide money to legal aid service groups rather than actually perform the legal work themselves.

Who is most likely to get help from pro bono lawyers?

Regardless of the group willing to provide pro bono legal service, there are always requirements for receiving free legal services. For example, pro bono services are most generally offered to individuals who can prove that they have limited income. Others who may be offered services include senior citizens, refugees, battered women, immigrants, and the mentally or physically challenged.

Ways to increase your chances of finding a pro bono lawyer

Lawyers have to make money. In fact, many lawyers have staggering school loan debts that they have to repay. While they may like helping people and may be willing to devote a portion of their time for this type of work, most of their time has to be spent generating billable hours.

With this in mind, even if they do offer to do some pro bono work you can increase your chances of getting a lawyer to agree to help you if you take these steps:

1. Be easy to work with

If you seem like an unreasonable client or you have unreasonable demands you will be less likely to find someone to work with you. Be polite, agreeable, and courteous.

2. Be an active part of the team.

Whether you are working with a pro bono lawyer or not it’s important to be a team player. Return phone calls, gather information, and bring files. In fact, it helps if you are willing to do whatever it takes to make their job as easy as possible.

Bottom line:

Many attorneys do not advertise their pro bono work. The good news is many law firms require a specified amount of pro bono service from their lawyers. The federal government and different groups also provide pro bono services. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of people also looking for limited, free legal services so it might be tough to find a lawyer willing to work for free.