Eight Most Commonly Asked Questions About Pro Bono

1. How can a lawyer become involved in Pro Bono work?

Lawyers interested in volunteering or in learning more about pro bono opportunities should contact: Pro Bono Resource Center at (410) 837.9379 or (800) 492.1964 xt. 261, or email pbrc@probonomd.org.

The Pro Bono Resource Center will refer interested volunteers to the pro bono program most relevant to their area of expertise or interest. Every effort will be made to assist volunteers identify a program operating in their own community. Once the Resource Center refers a volunteer to the appropriate program, that program will then match the lawyer with a client in need or enlist the lawyer's assistance in another type of legal service such as teaching, counseling, visiting a clinic or staffing a hotline.

2. What is required of lawyers licensed to practice in Maryland regarding pro bono work?

Rule 6.1 of the Maryland Professional Rules of Conduct has recently changed. Maryland lawyers should aspire to render fifty (50) hours of public interest legal service each year. A substantial portion of those hours should be devoted to providing professional services at no fee or a reduced fee to persons of limited means, with the balance being devoted to activities to improve the law or legal profession.

The Resource Center can help identify a wide range of pro bono opportunities to assist low-income individuals, families, or community groups through direct representation, training, staffing hotlines, clinical service, brief advice and counsel, mediation and transactional work. For more information about the rules or pro bono opportunities, contact PBRC at: (410) 837.9379 or (800) 492.1964 xt. 261, or email pbrc@probonomd.org.

3. Is malpractice insurance offered for volunteers?

Yes. The vast majority of pro bono programs provide malpractice insurance even if the lawyer has his/her own coverage.

4. What kinds of continuing legal education and other support services are available?

The Resource Center coordinates extensive training programs and other types of support services for pro bono lawyers such as mentors, computer research time, pro bono court reporters, etc. in Maryland. Through the MICPEL Pro Bono Partnership Program, lawyers can receive free and discount MICPEL seminars in exchange for their volunteer work.

5. How long will a pro bono case take?

The length of time really depends on the case. However, the average pro bono case lasts less than five hours.

6. What if I know nothing about family law?

While family law is the area of greatest demand for legal services, there are numerous opportunities for consumer, housing, bankruptcy, tax, public benefits, real estate, employment, disability, civil rights, immigration, corporate and community development work for pro bono attorneys as well. Continuing legal education in family law is also provided should a lawyer be interested in working in that area.

7. Can non-litigators really make a contribution?

Absolutely. Some of the most exciting projects over recent years have involved transactional, business and tax attorneys assisting in the development of affordable housing, day care and senior centers, and non-profit community work. For example, several Habitats for Humanity enlisted the help of volunteer attorneys to revitalize economically depressed neighborhoods and fulfill the dreams of first-time low to moderate income homebuyers.

8. Who can be a pro bono lawyer?

Any lawyer who is currently licensed to practice law or those who have retired from the practice of law in good standing may become involved in pro bono work. As a result of the efforts of the Resource Center, the Court of Appeals has created special exceptions for retired attorneys to enable them to render pro bono service through a legal services program. For information on the Pro Bono Attorney Emeritus Program, contact the Resource Center.