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 Iowa, pro bono legal services are provided by attorneys who volunteer their time to assist individuals who cannot afford legal representation. These services are often coordinated through the Iowa State Bar Association, which encourages lawyers to provide free legal assistance to those in need, particularly to individuals who qualify as indigent based on their income. The American Bar Association recommends that attorneys provide at least 50 hours of pro bono services annually, and while this is not a mandatory requirement in Iowa, many attorneys follow this guideline. Legal aid services, on the other hand, are typically offered by nonprofit organizations that employ attorneys who are paid a salary, albeit usually more modest than private sector wages. These organizations, such as Iowa Legal Aid, provide no-cost or reduced-cost legal assistance to low-income individuals and are funded through various sources, including government grants, private donations, and other funding mechanisms. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to ensure access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.