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 Massachusetts, pro bono legal services are an important part of the legal system, designed to ensure access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in Massachusetts may volunteer their time to provide free legal services to those who qualify as indigent, often through programs coordinated by the state bar association or local legal aid organizations. The Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services and offers resources for those interested in doing so. Legal aid, on the other hand, is typically provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations that specialize in offering legal services to low-income individuals. These attorneys are compensated by the nonprofit, albeit often at a lower rate than the market average for legal services. Both pro bono and legal aid services are essential in promoting equal access to legal assistance and are subject to eligibility criteria, which usually include income thresholds.