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 Maryland, 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 Maryland are encouraged to provide pro bono services, and the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct suggest that lawyers should aspire to at least 50 hours of pro bono service per year. These services are typically coordinated through various programs and state bar associations, such as the Maryland State Bar Association. Eligibility for pro bono services usually requires that an individual be indigent, with income levels below a certain threshold. On the other hand, legal aid services in Maryland are provided by nonprofit organizations, such as Maryland Legal Aid, where attorneys are employed and receive a salary to offer legal assistance to low-income individuals at no or reduced cost. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to bridge the gap in legal representation for those who are financially disadvantaged.