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 Pennsylvania, pro bono legal services are offered by attorneys to individuals who cannot afford legal representation and qualify as indigent based on their income. These services are provided without the expectation of payment to the attorney. The Pennsylvania Bar Association encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services and often facilitates these opportunities through various programs and partnerships with legal aid organizations. Legal aid services, on the other hand, are typically provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations who receive a salary, albeit modest, from these nonprofits. These services are either free or offered at a reduced cost to eligible clients. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to ensure access to justice for those who are financially disadvantaged.