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 Maine, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in Maine may volunteer their time to provide free legal services to individuals who qualify as indigent, often through programs coordinated by the state bar association, such as the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project. These services are typically available to those who meet certain income criteria demonstrating financial need. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by attorneys who are employed by nonprofit organizations dedicated to offering legal services at no or reduced cost. These attorneys are compensated, albeit at a lower rate than the market average, by the nonprofit organizations they work for. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to bridge the gap in legal representation for underprivileged communities.