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 Tennessee, 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 delivered voluntarily by attorneys without any payment for their work. These services are often coordinated through state bar associations or other legal organizations. Pro bono assistance is generally reserved for individuals who are considered indigent and unable to pay for legal services, with eligibility often determined by their income level. Both legal aid and pro bono services aim to ensure access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.