Pro Bono: What It Is and Why it Matters
What Is Pro Bono?
The phrase “pro bono” comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico, which means “for the public good.” It is a movement emphasizing the provision of legal help to those who can’t afford it. Pro bono services are performed by attorneys who donate their skills and expertise completely free of charge to help someone in need.
Pro bono services can include providing legal advice, drafting letters and documents, representing clients in court and other areas of practice such as immigration law, family law and even civil litigation.
Pro bono work is a major part of the legal profession, with hundreds of organizations across America providing assistance to those in need. In addition to helping out on a personal level, pro bono work provides an invaluable opportunity for attorneys to hone their skills, gain experience, and make a difference in their communities.
Why Pro Bono Matters
Pro bono work provides an invaluable service to those in need. Low-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation are often faced with no choice but to represent themselves in matters that are way over their head. Without the assistance of an attorney, this population of individuals will struggle to navigate the complex legal system and obtain fair representation.
Pro bono services help close this justice gap by providing representation to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it. In addition, through pro bono work, attorneys are able to gain valuable experience and skills in a wide variety of legal areas.
For attorneys, pro bono work is a way to give back to their community as well as gain professional experience. Through pro bono work, attorneys not only gain valuable professional experiences, but also a sense of satisfaction in helping those in need.
Promoting Pro Bono
One of the main tasks of the American Bar Association (ABA) is to promote pro bono work and encourage attorneys to provide assistance to those in need. The ABA has adopted several resolutions aimed at supporting and promoting the provision of pro bono services.
The ABA also runs the Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC), an organization dedicated to providing access to justice through pro bono services. The PBRC offers educational programs, training and support to attorneys providing pro bono services.
Final Thoughts
Pro bono services play an important role in providing access to justice to those in need. These services provide much-needed help to those who are unable to afford a lawyer and without them, these individuals would be left to their own devices.
By fostering an environment that encourages and supports pro bono services, attorneys can make a real impact and help close the justice gap. Pro bono work is an invaluable experience that provides attorneys with practical knowledge and skills, while also allowing them to give back and make a difference.