What is pro bono?

Legal Aid provides "pro bono" legal services to individuals who qualify per our income guidelines, as well as case qualifications in terms of legal matter.  So what is pro bono exactly?

The phrase "pro bono" means "for the common good."  When attorneys take an oath before receiving a license to practice law, part of that oath includes swearing to help the defenseless, weak and oppressed regardless of an ability to pay.  In many states, this is not just a promise but a requirement that attorneys take on a specific number of pro bono cases per year.  Under Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 6.6, Indiana attorneys take this oath to protect all citizens and protect our system of justice.  The pro bono promise ensures that all individuals will receive equal access to the justice system even if they are not able to pay for these services.

Legal Aid is proud of our over 100 volunteer attorneys who help clients without any form of pay each year.  These attorneys donate their time through direct representation, as well as legal consultation.

The State of Indiana is divided into 12 pro bono districts overseen by the Indiana Pro Bono Commission.  The mission of the Indiana Pro Bono Commission is:  "The Indiana Pro Bono Commission will strive to promote equal access to justice for all Indiana residents by facilitating the integration and coordination of existing services; fostering the development of new pro bono programs; supporting and improving the quality of existing pro bono programs; fostering the growth of a public service culture within the Indiana Bar which values pro bono publico service; promoting the ongoing development of financial and other resources for pro bono organizations in Indiana; and enabling Indiana attorneys to discharge their professional responsibility to provide pro bono services."

Of the 12 districts, Legal Aid - District 11 is the plan administrator for Pro Bono District I, serving eight counties in South Central Indiana.  We further the oath attorneys take to ensure help for the defenseless in our district, providing legal assistance in some manner regardless of their ability to pay.