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 Arizona, 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, often through programs coordinated by the State Bar of Arizona or local bar associations. Eligibility for pro bono services usually requires that individuals meet certain income criteria to be considered indigent. On the other hand, legal aid services in Arizona are provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations dedicated to offering legal assistance to low-income individuals. While these services are also free or low-cost to the clients, the attorneys are compensated for their work, albeit often at a lower rate than the market average for legal services. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to bridge the gap in legal representation and ensure that underprivileged communities have access to legal support.