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 Ohio, 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, local legal aid societies, or other nonprofit organizations. To qualify for pro bono services, individuals typically must demonstrate financial need and meet certain income thresholds that establish them as indigent. Legal aid, on the other hand, refers to legal services offered at no or reduced cost to the client, with the attorneys providing these services being compensated by the nonprofit organizations they work for. These organizations receive funding from a variety of sources, including government grants, private donations, and sometimes client fees on a sliding scale based on the client's ability to pay. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to ensure access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.