Models for Organizing or Expanding Pro Bono Programs
• Do-It-Yourself Model
As they say, "If all else fails, do it yourself." Maintain your own panel or list of volunteer attorneys for pro bono appointment. Keep it handy on the bench. To build the list, make announcements in your courtroom about the importance of pro bono service, ask any counsel representing clients pro bono that day to register with your clerk, and/or ask for volunteers to sign up. Be sure to get the lawyer's area of practice on the list so they can be appropriately matched with the legal problem of needy clients. Click here for a sample sign up form. Design a simple rotation system so all attorneys share the load fairly. Note: Attorneys accepting cases through a court program are eligible for the free malpractice coverage provided by the state.
Return to Models for Organizing or Expanding Pro Bono Programs Page