Support Services for Pro Bono Attorneys

Training/Continuing Legal Education

Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) of Maryland offers free and reduced-fee slots for a series of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs specifically geared toward pro bono attorneys. PBRC also sponsors its own classes and co-sponsors courses with other providers. The range of topics is broad including seminars on family law, bankruptcy, wills, criminal records expungement, housing, employment, special education, immigration, and community development. To find out about how to take advantage of these free and reduced-fee trainings, please visit our training page. Click here

The Pro Bono Training Program, a joint venture of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and Pro Bono Resource Center, enables volunteer attorneys to participate in select MSBA CLE seminars for free or at a reduced rate. To qualify, an attorney must agree to accept one pro bono case or provide other pro bono legal services through an affiliated pro bono program. Staff lawyers can also qualify for reduced fee courses. Registrations are on a first-come first-served basis and are handled by PBRC.

To register for a course or obtain more information about CLE possibilities, contact the PBRC at 410-837-9379 or 800-396-1274 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Malpractice Insurance

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

Mentors

A number of programs will provide their volunteers with personal mentors should they so desire. The mentors are usually experienced practitioners who have handled similar pro bono cases and can provide insight and advice. An attorney interested in having a mentor should either ask the pro bono program about providing one or contact the PBRC.

Litigation Funds

Several programs maintain a litigation fund to cover costs which neither the client nor attorney can pay. PBRC currently operates a statewide fund for pro bono attorneys affiliated with any Maryland Legal Services Corporation funded program (i.e., virtually all pro bono programs in the state) and reimburse volunteers for certain non-routine cash expenditures such as mileage, extensive copying, faxes, registered mail, and reasonable expert witness fees depending on the availability of funds. For information on reimbursement of costs, contact your program or PBRC at 410-837-9379 or 800-396-1274 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Court Costs and Service of Process

In state court pro bono attorneys working with MLSC funded legal services programs may use a memorandum provided by the program to obtain an automatic waiver of initial filing fees and court costs. Ask your affiliate program for the waiver forms.

In the Baltimore metropolitan area, some programs have made arrangements with process service companies which will not charge a fee. For more information, contact PBRC.

Court Reporters

The Maryland Association of Court Reporters has requested its membership to do their share for the low-income community by providing services on a pro bono basis. The Pro Bono Resource Center can match a program or volunteer with a reporting firm when eligible. If you are in need of a reporter and your client cannot afford one, contact the PBRC.

Investigative Services

The Pro Bono Resource Center may also be able to assist volunteers whose client needs the assistance of private investigator and cannot afford to hire one.

Paralegal Assistance

There are a number of highly qualified paralegals who would like to gain experience and help their communities by volunteering their services. The Pro Bono Resource Center can assist a program or a volunteer with engaging a pro bono paralegal. Contact PBRC for further details.

Federal Court Admissions

The Pro Bono Resource Center may be able to assist volunteer attorneys who wish to practice before the federal court with their admission to the court. For further information on special admissions, contact PBRC.