Pro Bono FAQs

How can I find pro bono opportunities in my area?
How do I sign-up to do pro bono?
I'm a busy person. Do I really have time to do pro bono?
What's in it for me?
What resources will be available to me as a pro bono attorney?
Many lawyers do not have expertise in poverty law. Does that cause a problem?
Lots of informal pro bono takes place in my community. Why is organized pro bono so important?
I'm active at church and/or with civic organizations. Isn't that enough?
What about malpractice issues?
Is pro bono just for urban areas?
I want to start a new pro bono program. How do I get started?
Who should be involved in developing a pro bono program?
Are there bar leaders with whom I can speak regarding their pro bono startup efforts?
How are pro bono projects administered?
I'm a judge. Is there anything that I can do?
I'm a government attorney. Is there anything that I can do?
Can I help by donating money?

How can I find pro bono opportunities in my area?
Click here to find a pro bono opportunity near you.
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How do I sign-up to do pro bono?
Please visit our searchable directory of pro bono programs. The directory will enable you to get in touch with the program(s) for which you would like to volunteer.
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I'm a busy person. Do I really have time to do pro bono?
Pro bono work does not have to be a burdensome time commitment. Programs will generally do their best to accommodate willing volunteers' needs and time constraints. Click here to find a program that is right for you.
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What's in it for me?
Click here to learn how volunteer attorneys benefit from pro bono.
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What resources will be available to me as a pro bono attorney?
Click here to read about resources for volunteer attorneys.
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Many lawyers do not have expertise in poverty law. Does that cause a problem?
No. Training/continuing legal education (CLE) seminars are generally an important part of pro bono projects. This helps to guarantee that clients will receive the most effective service possible, and volunteers can be confident in knowing that they have been well-prepared. In addition, many programs have mentors available to assist lawyers who are less experienced in dealing with poverty law issues.
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Lots of informal pro bono takes place in my community. Why is organized pro bono so important?
Organized pro bono generally operates more effectively and efficiently for clients and participating lawyers than does informal pro bono. Since many Ohio counties have no organized pro bono projects of their own, the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation is committed to increasing the number of county-based programs.
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I'm active at church and/or with civic organizations. Isn't that enough?
Community service of any type is laudable. But because attorneys have a monopoly on the provision of legal services, they are the only people in our society who can directly respond to the problem of unequal access to justice. Lawyers therefore have a professional obligation to help those individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.
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What about malpractice issues?
Legal aid providers' malpractice insurance usually covers volunteer projects. Since most pro bono programs are connected with legal aid providers, pro bono attorneys are typically covered by these providers' malpractice insurance policies. Bar associations also often have coverage that can be used by volunteers who are uncertain about whether their private malpractice insurance would be effective. Call 1-800-877-9772, the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation to be linked with attorneys who have structured/administered law firm guidelines that both deal with malpractice concerns and facilitate pro bono.
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Is pro bono just for urban areas?
No. Pro bono is vitally important in both rural and urban areas. Because the number of lawyers in smaller communities tends to be comparatively low, there is frequently an even greater need for organized pro bono in the rural areas of the state.
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I want to start a new pro bono program. How do I get started?
The first step can be as simple as calling the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation at 1-800-877-9772. We are able to provide materials, technical support, project planning, and other services that can advance new initiatives. We want to assist bar leaders in exploring the many ways that they can help to provide justice for all.
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Who should be involved in developing a pro bono program?
People who are familiar with the needs of the community and with the needs of prospective volunteers should be involved. One might also want to work with the local judiciary to address scheduling difficulties and other problems that could discourage participation by attorneys. A collaborative approach can help to avoid future barriers to success.
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Are there bar leaders with whom I can speak regarding their pro bono startup efforts?
Yes. The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation would be happy to connect you with attorneys who have started pro bono projects. Additionally, there are many excellent pro bono professionals in Ohio who are happy to share their expertise and experiences with you. Please contact us by phone (1-800-877-9772) to find out how to link-up with these resource people.
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How are pro bono projects administered?
There are many ways to administer a pro bono program, both formally and informally, with or without staff. Some programs operate independently while others are administered by a bar association, a legal aid office, or a local non-profit agency.
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I'm a judge. Is there anything that I can do?
Yes. The judiciary plays an essential role in the delivery of pro bono services. Judges can help to set a tone within the legal community that pro bono is an expected and valuable contribution from members of the bar. Judges can assist in recruiting, training, and recognizing the achievements of volunteers. Judges can also be important partners in developing new programs by ensuring that scheduling and docketing are done in an efficient way that serves the needs of volunteers, clients, and the courts. Please click here to learn more about the indispensable contributions that judges can make to pro bono.
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I'm a government attorney. Is there anything that I can do?
Absolutely. Click here to find out what pro bono opportunities exist for government attorneys.
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Can I help by donating money?
Yes, and thank you! Please visit our Make a Donation page.
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This information is geared towards attorneys and other professionals looking for volunteer opportunities. If you are seeking an attorney for assistance, you need to call, toll-free, 1-866-LAW-OHIO from your home county to be automatically forwarded to your local legal aid office or visit the Find Ohio Legal Help for a directory of legal service providers in your community.

Phone (614) 221-7201 | (800) 589-5888 | Fax (614) 221-7625