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 Missouri, 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 state bar associations, such as The Missouri Bar, which encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services to indigent clients as part of their professional responsibility. Eligibility for pro bono services typically depends on the individual's income level and whether they qualify as indigent. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations dedicated to offering legal services at no or reduced cost to low-income individuals. These attorneys receive a salary from the nonprofit organizations they work for, which is often 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 it.