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 Vermont, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. Attorneys in Vermont, as in many states, are encouraged to provide a certain amount of pro bono legal services each year. The Vermont Bar Association (VBA) plays a significant role in coordinating these services, often through its Pro Bono Program, which connects volunteer attorneys with low-income Vermonters in need of legal help. Eligibility for pro bono services typically depends on the individual's income level and the nature of their legal issue. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by nonprofit organizations such as Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid. These organizations employ attorneys who are compensated for their work, albeit at a lower rate than the private sector, to provide free or reduced-cost legal services to eligible low-income residents. Both pro bono and legal aid services are essential to fulfilling the legal needs of underserved populations in Vermont.