Pro bono legal services are services that are provided to a person or entity without requirement or expectation of payment to the attorney for the services. These volunteer legal services are provided by lawyers—often through state bar associations—and are usually available only to persons who are unable to pay for the services, and qualify as indigent based on their income. In contrast, legal aid services are often provided at no cost or reduced cost by attorneys who work for nonprofit entities, and the attorneys are paid a modest salary by the nonprofit entity.

In Alabama, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of the legal community's commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those who cannot afford legal representation. These services are typically offered by attorneys who volunteer their time without expectation of payment. Eligibility for pro bono services often requires that individuals meet certain criteria, such as having an income below a specified threshold that qualifies them as indigent. The Alabama State Bar encourages attorneys to provide pro bono services and has initiatives to support and recognize such efforts. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations. These attorneys are compensated, albeit at a lower rate than the market average, by the nonprofits for which they work. Legal aid organizations in Alabama offer assistance to low-income individuals in a variety of legal matters, and funding for these services may come from a mix of public and private sources.