Why Do Pro Bono?

"Lawyers have a license to practice law, a monopoly on certain services. But for that privilege and status, lawyers have an obligation to provide legal services to those without the wherewithal to pay..."

—former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


The American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rule 6.1 codifies the responsibility of members of the legal profession to provide pro bono service. 

Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least (50) hours of pro bono legal services per year. - ABA Model Rule 6.1

1. Serve those in need

Pro bono is an important part of helping to narrow the access to justice gap by providing free legal representation to low-income individuals who cannot afford to pay for a private attorney.In a 2022 Justice Gap Study, the Legal Services Corp. found 74% of low-income households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the previous year, and 92% of those problems received no legal assistance. Access to justice is now a reality only for individuals with financial means. Low-income families must handle threats of eviction and loss of their home without legal representation; they must try to figure out child custody and support without an attorney and appear in court pro se and completely on their own.

Unlike in criminal cases, there is no constitutional right to a free attorney for civil cases. Pro bono helps fill this void by providing legal assistance to clients with issues like domestic violence, veteran benefits, or inadequate housing.  Pro bono also expands the capacity of underfunded legal services providers. Finally, pro bono helps fight systemic inequality by providing assistance to under-represented causes and protecting marginalized communities.

2. Develop Legal Skills

Pro bono work builds legal skills by providing hands-on experience with client counseling, research and writing, oral advocacy or the drafting of documents preparing you for the real world of legal practice.

3. Experience Different Types of Legal Practice

Pro bono offers the opportunity to try out a range of different practice areas and identify substantive areas of law of interest before committing to a summer internship or post-graduate position. By volunteering to do a pro bono project, students move from the abstract and theoretical classroom to hands-on practice and real cases.

4. Create a Professional Network

Pro bono volunteers work under the supervision of experienced attorneys who become mentors, trainers, and an excellent source for letters of recommendation and networking contacts. Pro bono legal experience and access to a range of professionals can offer a competitive advantage in the job search process. Hiring committees at both private and public interest employers frequently ask about an applicant’s pro bono experience and commitment.

5. Engage in Meaningful Work

Pro bono work provides the personal satisfaction of using legal skills to assist under-represented individuals who face real-world problems without the financial means to access an attorney. Pro bono exposes volunteers to the systemic barriers that deny access to legal services and builds a sense of empathy with low-income clients who lack an advocate. Experience the satisfaction that comes from making a positive difference in someone’s life.