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 Delaware, 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. Attorneys in Delaware often provide pro bono services through various programs and initiatives, sometimes coordinated by the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA). These services are typically available to individuals who qualify as indigent, meaning they have a low income and cannot afford to pay for legal assistance. The criteria for qualifying for pro bono services can vary by program. Legal aid, on the other hand, refers to legal services offered at no or reduced cost to the client, with the attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations receiving a salary from those organizations. In Delaware, organizations such as Legal Aid of Delaware offer such services to those who meet certain income and case-type eligibility requirements. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to provide legal assistance to underserved populations, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving legal help.