Tips on how to get a lawyer to work pro bono

Whether you’re a penniless citizen suffering injustice or the famous founder of a high-profile cause, there are times when volunteer counsel might just help. And there are layers who will sometimes take on a case for free or pro bono publico   (for the public good).

• Abbreviated from the Latin expression pro bono publico— "for the public good" — the term describes situations where lawyers offer their services either for free or at a greatly reduced price.
• The scope of the work is effectively unlimited. It could involve a free, one-time consultation for a tenant facing illegal eviction all the way up to complex, ongoing services like conducting petition management or lobbying parliament on behalf of a non-profit advocacy group.

• Since lawyers tend to donate their time and skills as a way to give back to society, most pro bono work is done for people and organizations of limited financial means who have been pitted against powerful forces.
• Beyond that, however, the name really does say it all.
• Whatever the requested legal mission may be, it needs to pass the perceptual hurdle: "Would a positive outcome genuinely represent a benefit to the public?"
• While it's true, that can be highly subjective, but keep in mind that people generally agree on what constitutes acts of injustice, or which social causes have truly worthwhile goals.

• Most provinces have their own associations of pro bono lawyers easily found by an Internet search.
• The sites spell out various ways to contact prospective lawyers.
• They can be reached by phone, email or at public clinics, which are either permanent or revolving pop-up sites in the community.
• The services are multi-faceted. For example, Pro Bono Law Ontario is a registered charity that organizes a variety of legal projects, while its companion site, LawHelpOntario.org, represents its face to the public, explaining policies and receiving online applications for service.

• More than others, lawyers see the consequences of inequality before the law.
• Much of their motivation is, therefore, simply to see access to justice extended to downtrodden elements of society.
• However, they do reap some compensation.
• Awards for excellence in pro bono law are important to a young lawyer on the way up.
• So, too, is developing a public reputation.
• Thus a client’s task is to recognize, respect and enable those factors.

• Let’s assume you’ve made your case for pro-bono assistance and a lawyer has agreed to help.
• Now is not the time to settle back and do nothing.
• There’s much to be done, for example, as an ad hoc legal assistant — gathering statements, collating documents, and so forth.
• Moreover, since the lawyer is fitting your case into an otherwise busy work schedule, you can’t expect her to reply instantly every time you call.
• You, on the other hand, are well advised to make every attempt to cooperate in word and deed as promptly as possible.
• The more help you give her, the more she’s likely to give you.