OF BROWARD COUNTY
About Legal Aid
Services
MEMBERSHIP FAQ
What is the Pro Bono Public Service Rule?
Rule 4-6.1 states each member of the Florida Bar in good standing, as a part of that member’s professional responsibility, should
1. render Pro Bono legal services to the poor and 2. participate, to the extent possible, in other Pro Bono service activities that directly relate to the legal needs of the poor.
The professional responsibility to provide Pro Bono legal service to the poor may be discharged by:
1. annually providing at least 20 hours of Pro Bono legal services to the poor; or
2. making an annual contribution of at least $350 to a legal aid organization
Each member of the bar shall annually report whether the member has satisfied the member’s professional responsibility to provide Pro Bono legal services to the poor.
This rule applies to all members of the Florida Bar in good standing except those members of the Bar who are retired, inactive, suspended or have been placed on the inactive list for incapacity not relate to discipline. Application of the rule is deferred to judges and their staffs unless and until legal prohibitions to pro bono legal services are removed.
What is Pro Bono?
- Cases for which no money is charged, received or expected
- Representing a client through an organized Pro Bono Program
- Contribution of $350 to an organized Pro Bono Program
- Legal Clinics
What is NOT Pro Bono?
- Clients who do not pay their bill
- Serving on a board
- Bar activities
- Aunt Suzy’s will
- Uncle John’s speeding ticket
Is Pro Bono mandatory?
No. The providing of pro bono is voluntary. The rules only require that all Florida Bar members report annually whether they did or did not provide pro bono services (a) a contribution to a legal aid organization in lieu of service, (b) is deferred, or (c) has not provided pro bono service or made a contribution. This information is reported on the
The facts and only the facts.
I don’t have experience in family law, consumer law or other Pro Bono areas.
There is a need for attorneys to assist indigent clients in many non-traditional “Pro Bono” areas of the law including but not limited to real estate and tax. In addition, there are experienced lawyers who can help and mentor you through the process.
I can’t afford malpractice coverage.
Professional liability coverage is provided by Broward Lawyers Care (BLC) for Pro Bono cases assigned.
I do Pro Bono work on my own. I don’t need to work through an organized program.
In addition to the benefits of the malpractice coverage, BLC provides reimbursement for approved costs associated with the case. BLC has greater capacity to recruit large numbers of lawyers. As the number of volunteers increases, the demand on individual lawyers decreases. There are also reporting incentives as well as local and statewide recognition.
