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 Texas, legal aid services are typically offered to those who cannot afford legal representation. These services are provided by attorneys working for nonprofit organizations, such as Legal Aid of Northwest Texas or Lone Star Legal Aid, which cover various regions of the state. These attorneys are compensated with a salary by the nonprofit, albeit usually lower than private sector wages. On the other hand, pro bono legal services are provided by attorneys who volunteer their time without any expectation of payment. The State Bar of Texas encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services and facilitates these through various programs and initiatives. Pro bono assistance is generally available to individuals who are considered indigent and meet certain income eligibility criteria. Both types of services aim to ensure access to justice for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.
