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 West Virginia, 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 any expectation of payment. The West Virginia State Bar encourages lawyers to engage in pro bono work as part of their professional responsibilities. Legal aid services, on the other hand, are typically provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations, such as Legal Aid of West Virginia. These attorneys receive a salary from the nonprofit, which allows them to serve clients at no cost or for a reduced fee. Both pro bono services and legal aid aim to ensure access to justice for those who are financially disadvantaged.