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 New Jersey, pro bono legal services are an important part of the legal system, providing access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in New Jersey may volunteer their time to offer free legal services to individuals who qualify as indigent, often through programs coordinated by the state bar association or other legal service organizations. The determination of indigence typically involves assessing the person's income and financial resources to ensure they fall below a certain threshold. Legal aid, on the other hand, is 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 usually at a lower rate than the market average for legal services. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to ensure that all individuals have access to legal counsel, regardless of their ability to pay.