California Pro Bono Work For Attorneys FAQs
California Pro Bono Work For Attorneys FAQs
While attorneys are often touted as billing every minuscule task at high hourly rates, many provide services pro bono. “Pro bono” is Latin and translates to “for the public good.” In the context of the legal industry, pro bono work can be thought of as legal services provided for free. That’s right, many attorneys voluntarily put aside their hourly rates to provide free legal services to those in need. It’s no secret that lawyers are expensive – even the most cost-efficient attorneys usually charge at least $200.00 per hour. That is a cost that simply not everyone can afford to take on, despite needing legal services. Pro bono work can span across different legal areas and can include lawyers at any stage in their career. Let’s take a closer look at pro bono work in California and some things California attorneys should know.
California Pro Bono Work For Attorneys FAQs
Pro Bono Work – What Qualifies?
The State Bar of California Board of Trustees defines pro bono work specifically. In short, pro bono work is the direct delivery of legal services without expecting compensation. Pro bono work is often for the benefit of impoverished individuals. Pro bono work can also be for the benefit of not-for-profit organizations that focus on providing services to the disadvantaged. Lastly, pro bono work can be for the benefit of not-for-profit organizations seeking to improve the legal system.
To be qualified as pro bono work, attorneys are not required to take on entire cases, attend hearings, etc… Instead, a broad range of pro bono activities exist that allow attorneys to submit pro bono hours individually. For example, imagine you only draft a single pleading for a pro bono client. That would qualify as pro bono time despite you choosing not to take on the whole case.
Wondering what doesn’t qualify as pro bono? Well for one – helping friends or family members that aren’t indigent. Another example of what doesn’t constitute pro bono work is when a client suddenly can’t pay their bill. Why? The attorney expected compensation from the outset of the attorney-client relationship.
Is Pro Bono Work A Requirement?
Pro bono work in California is not a requirement. Attorneys don’t have to complete a certain number of hours per year. With that being said, attorneys are generally urged to complete as many pro bono hours as they can. For context, the State Bar of California recommends that attorneys complete 50 hours of pro bono work per year. Some law firms may have a pro bono requirement; however, these requirements are often much lower than 50 hours. Pro bono hours aren’t reported to the State Bar of California (unless enrolled in California Pro Bono Practice Program – see below) and many law firms and other organizations track them privately.
What Are The Benefits Of Pro Bono Work?
Pro bono work really does benefit everyone involved. It allows individuals who otherwise would not have access to legal services the opportunity to work with an attorney. It also allows attorneys to develop professionally by exposing them to legal situations that may be outside their normal role. That’s right, many attorneys opt to take pro bono opportunities unrelated to the law they practice on a daily basis! Attorneys are members of society that play an important role in people’s lives and have special skills and knowledge. As a result, attorneys really do have the power to change a person’s life.
Besides the social and professional benefits of pro bono work, there are a number of other benefits. Attorneys who enroll in the California Pro Bono Practice Program and complete a certain number of hours get distinct benefits. Attorneys who complete the program’s required number of hours get annual fees waived and free/reduced rates for continuing education courses.
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