Taking Cases Pro Bono

Benefits of taking cases pro bono

"I am not sure I would continue just handling paying cases because I enjoy pro bono work so much. There is something about representing a person who has a dire problem."

--Attorney Bob Etnyre, Royston, Rayzor, Vickery & Williams, LLP

In addition to the personal satisfaction gained from taking cases pro bono, there are other benefits. Pro bono work is a great way for attorneys to learn the ins and outs of their local court systems. Judges are often very supportive of attorneys working on pro bono cases. Pro bono cases give attorneys the opportunity to learn and practice litigation skills. And pro bono work allows attorneys to learn new areas of law, thus expanding their breadth of legal knowledge.

Also, attorneys who work on a pro bono case with a mentor from the referring organization are eligible for up to 5 hours of participatory continuing legal education credit.

Common concerns about pro bono
Areas of Law
Typical pro bono cases deal with family law issues, wills and estates, housing, public benefits and elder law. Some attorneys are concerned about working on a case that is outside their area of expertise. Volunteer lawyer organizations will provide assistance and legal information to help with the case. Many attorneys welcome the opportunity to learn about other areas of law. Additionally, some pro bono programs have created projects that utilize the skills of transactional attorneys.

Time Constraints
Most attorneys who do pro bono work have demanding jobs, families and other commitments. But the need for volunteer attorneys is so great, they make the time to take cases pro bono. While it is wise to evaluate the amount of time you have available for pro bono work, consider taking just one case before you rule out the possibility. Volunteer lawyer programs or legal aid organizations endeavor to refer cases that fit within the volunteer's time constraints.

Difficult Clients
Attorneys are expected to represent their pro bono clients effectively, just as they would represent paying clients. Most pro bono clients are very grateful to have an attorney protecting their rights. However, if you feel your pro bono client has become unreasonable, you may contact the referring organization for guidance.

Assistance for pro bono lawyers
Malpractice Insurance
Attorneys who take pro bono cases through recognized legal aid providers or volunteer lawyer programs are provided with malpractice insurance for those cases. The State Bar of Texas pays the professional liability insurance premiums for those programs.

Support from Referring Organizations
Legal aid organizations and pro bono programs turn to volunteer lawyers to help them fill the gap in assisting the low-income people who come through their doors desperately needing help. These referring organizations can provide mentors, legal training, pleadings and other necessary assistance to help you effectively represent your pro bono client. Attorneys can receive up to five hours of participatory CLE for mentoring or being mentored on a pro bono case.

Forms and legal information
TexasLawyersHelp.org offers a library of reference materials, briefs and pleading in the areas of law that low-income individuals and families often encounter. There is also a group listserv to facilitate information sharing. TexasLawHelp.org has a great deal of legal information in several areas of civil law, including family, housing, consumer and more. The site also features self-help forms which attorneys can utilize in assisting their pro bono clients.

To find out how you can help someone in need of free legal assistance, contact your local pro bono program today!