Pro bono legal services are services that are provided to a person or entity without 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 contrast, 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 Texas, pro bono legal services are an important aspect of the legal system, providing access to justice for individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford legal representation. These services are typically offered by attorneys who volunteer their time without expectation of payment. The State Bar of Texas encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services and has established the Texas Access to Justice Commission to promote and improve access to justice for the indigent. Eligibility for pro bono services often requires that an individual be classified as indigent, which is determined based on their income level. Legal aid, on the other hand, is provided by attorneys employed by nonprofit organizations. These attorneys are compensated, albeit at a modest rate, by the nonprofit for their services. Legal aid organizations often receive funding from a variety of sources, including government grants, private donations, and the Legal Services Corporation, a federally-funded nonprofit that supports legal aid programs across the country. Both pro bono services and legal aid play crucial roles in ensuring that low-income individuals and families in Texas have access to legal assistance.
