Pro Bono Practice Program

The Pro Bono Practice Program offers attorneys the opportunity to contribute their legal skills and expertise to Californians in need.

Participants who qualify can have their State Bar annual fees waived when they provide free legal assistance exclusively with approved providers and engage in no other activities that require active status.

See program description in Rule 3.327 of the State Bar Rules.

Benefits of the program

Not only will participating attorneys have the opportunity to deliver much-needed legal services to the most vulnerable populations in their communities throughout the state, but participation provides professional benefits, including:

Type of legal services typically provided by pro bono attorneys

Volunteer opportunities may vary depending on the need of the client community. Pro bono opportunities may include:

  • Representation (full or limited scope)
  • Negotiation and settlement
  • Screening and intake
  • Brief service by phone or in person
  • Legal information or “Know Your Rights” workshops
  • Document preparation and review
  • Legal research and writing
  • Consumer/public education
  • Litigation support
  • Legislative research and legal analysis

For attorneys

Requirements

In order to serve as a pro bono practice attorney, an attorney must:

  • Be licensed in good standing with no disciplinary charges pending at the time of application to the Pro Bono Practice Program;
  • Have no record of public discipline during the three years preceding the application;
  • Submit an application annually for the Pro Bono Practice Program;
  • Be certified by the State Bar as a pro bono practice attorney; and
  • Provide pro bono services through an approved or qualified pro bono services provider.

Pursuant to State Bar Rule 3.329, a pro bono practice program attorney must annually report the number of pro bono legal services hours provided to the pro bono legal services provider. An attorney must, in partnership with the pro bono legal services provider, track the hours provided each calendar year. The State Bar will require each attorney to report hours provided in spring of each year.

Application process

  • Contact a qualified legal services provider, a no-fee or pro bono panel as part of a State Bar–certified Lawyer Referral Service, a court-based self-help center that complies with California Rule of Court 10.960, or a nonprofit that provides free legal services to or on behalf of indigent Californians and has been approved by the State Bar as a pro bono legal services provider for the purposes of the Pro Bono Practice Program;
  • Complete and sign the Pro Bono Practice Program Application; and
  • Have the declaration by a qualified legal services provider, State Bar–certified Lawyer Referral Service, court-based self-help center, or State Bar–approved nonprofit pro bono legal services provider signed by the director or supervising attorney.

For pro bono legal services providers

Requirements

In order to serve as a pro bono legal services provider, an organization must be:

  • A qualified legal services provider (an organization that receives funds from the State Bar as a qualified legal services project or support center);
  • The no-fee panel or pro bono clinic of a certified lawyer referral service;
  • A court-based self-help center; or
  • A nonprofit that provides free legal services on behalf of indigent Californians and has been approved by the State Bar as a pro bono legal services provider for the purposes of the Pro Bono Practice Program.

Application process

  • To apply to be approved as a pro bono legal services provider, complete and sign the Pro Bono Legal Services Provider Application, upload the required materials, and submit the completed form to the State Bar (be sure to keep a copy for your records).
Note: Qualified legal services providers, no-fee panels and pro bono clinics of certified Lawyer Referral Services, and court-based self-help centers do not need to submit an application.

Contact us

If you have a question, please see the Pro Bono Program FAQ or contact the State Bar at PBPP@calbar.ca.gov or 415-538-2252.

Related links