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 Colorado, 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 provided voluntarily by attorneys without expectation of payment. The Colorado Bar Association encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services and has established guidelines and programs to facilitate this, such as the Colorado Bar Association's Pro Bono Legal Services Committee and the Metro Volunteer Lawyers program. Eligibility for pro bono services typically requires that individuals meet certain income criteria to be considered indigent. On the other hand, legal aid services in Colorado are provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations, such as Colorado Legal Services, which is the largest provider of legal aid in the state. These attorneys are compensated by the nonprofit, albeit often at a lower rate than private practice, and they offer legal assistance to low-income individuals and families, often funded by grants, donations, and government support.