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 Montana, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in Montana, as in other states, may volunteer their time to provide free legal services to individuals who qualify as indigent. These services are often coordinated through the State Bar of Montana, which encourages lawyers to engage in pro bono work as part of their professional responsibilities. 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 Montana, many attorneys follow this guideline. Legal aid, on the other hand, is typically offered through nonprofit organizations that employ attorneys to provide legal services at no or reduced cost 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 to ensuring that underprivileged individuals and communities have access to legal counsel and representation.