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 contrast, pro bono legal services are services that are provided to a person or entity without any 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 South Carolina, legal aid services are typically offered to those who cannot afford legal representation by nonprofit organizations. These services are either free or provided at a reduced cost, and the attorneys working for these nonprofits are compensated with a modest salary by the organization. On the other hand, pro bono legal services are provided voluntarily by attorneys without any payment for their work. These services are often organized through state bar associations or other legal groups and are intended for individuals who are considered indigent and unable to pay for legal services, based on their income. Eligibility for these services usually requires meeting certain income criteria to ensure that assistance is given to those most in need.