pro bono lawyers is an abbreviated form of Pro Bono Public. It is a Latin phrase which is used to describe a work undertaken voluntarily as a public service. Pro Bono is done without payment or at very reasonable fees. It is mostly found in the legal profession but now it is spread to some other areas such as marketing, technology and in some consulting agencies as well. Pro bono service is sought by people who cannot afford to hire an expert in a particular segment. Unlike other social service, pro bono service requires people who are experts in a particular subject and area.
Pro bono service in the US:
In America, the Bar Association under its ethical rules insists the lawyers to serve as pro bono lawyers at least 50 hours a year. The period of pro bono service varies from state to state in the US. New York State Bar Association recommends 20 hours of Pro bono service while New York City Bar recommends 50 hours of pro bono service. That way it varies.
ABA’s standing committee on Pro bono, Public service and its project, and the Centre for Pro bono are the national source for information and assistance to support in the area of pro bono legal help. In October 2007, The Law students of America did release its annual ranking list of law firms of America, based on their Pro bono service and demographic dimensions. It threw light onto the actual services provided by these major law firms and it was found that they all fell short of the pro bono service requirements.
As we all know, most of us live on pay check to pay check, and hence it is hard for a layman to spend so much on a legal help. There plays the role of Pro bono services to the society. Now it is heartening to note that most of the legal firms put aside enough time to render their services on pro bono. Most of the Bar Associations are taking initiatives to help people if their requirements are proved genuine. It is rendered in the areas of health, old age, social injustice etc. Pro bono works on a commitment to get equal justice to all sections of the society regardless of their social status and wealth.
Federal programs on Pro bone:
The US federal government had come out with some special project to help the needy when they are finding it difficult to hire a lawyer for getting their legal issues solved. Pro bono services are normally given for non criminal cases such as unlawful eviction, domestic violence etc.
Public Defender
An American Citizen, irrespective of his cast and creed, have every right to get defended by a lawyer in court if he/she is charged with a criminal offence. Public defenders are government lawyers and they are available to anyone.
There are some programs in the US, designed and implemented by local governments with intent to help people help themselves. They facilitate people to call the bar associations directly and seek help for them. There are facilitators who would help people to get their paper work done hassle free. These facilities may be just a phone call away from the public.
Pro bono Lawyer services are generally free of cost or cost less than the actual cost.
