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 Virginia, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of the legal community's commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in Virginia often provide pro bono services through various programs and initiatives, sometimes coordinated by the Virginia State Bar, local bar associations, or other legal organizations. These services are typically available to individuals who are considered indigent and meet certain income eligibility criteria. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by nonprofit legal organizations that employ attorneys who are compensated, albeit at a lower rate than private practice. These organizations, such as Legal Aid Societies in Virginia, receive funding from a variety of sources, including government grants, to offer legal assistance to low-income individuals at no or reduced cost. Both pro bono services and legal aid play crucial roles in facilitating access to legal assistance for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.