How do Pro Bono Lawyers Get Paid? | Explained in Detail
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The job of a Pro bono lawyer got its name from the Latin word “pro bono publico.” This means “for the good of the public. Thus, pro bono lawyers usually offer free/ voluntary representations for clients for clients who don’t have the means to afford it. And in this post, we’ll highlight the diverse ways pro bono lawyers get paid.
Furthermore, many pro bono lawyers offer voluntary services due to their desire to provide legal aid to the less privileged. Such lawyers usually understand the influence that accompanies the legal field. Thus, they usually use it to supplement individuals who need help to afford the costs that arise when hiring the services of an attorney.
Working as a pro bono lawyer further comes with diverse merits for lawyers. Upon handling cases of clients on a pro bono basis, lawyers can easily earn more experience in their field. They can also meet with other lawyers and build their level of contacts in the law field.
But that’s not all! Some forms of payment are also available for pro bono lawyers. Come along as we highlight more on this below.
How do Pro Bono Lawyers Get Paid?
Despite offering free representation to their clients, pro bono lawyers still get paid through other means. This includes:
1. Funding from governmental organizations
The first way pro bono lawyers get paid is through government funding. Government agencies usually provide funding and channel it towards the support of pro bono lawyers and firms. This helps them to offer their legal aid efficiently and extensively.
2. Support from law firms
Pro bono lawyers also get paid through support from law firms. This usually occurs via allocating funds, staff, and time to ensure a hassle-free provision of legal aid. Some law firms usually set up pro bono sections to handle diverse projects. Such law firms usually appreciate the benefits of pro bono lawyers. And they always succeed in offering the essential support when needed.
3. Non-profit establishments
Another major funding source for pro bono lawyers is through aid from non-profit establishments. Such establishments usually run fundraising campaigns and obtain grants to aid their activities. The major sponsors for such establishments include foundations and individuals. And in turn, they offer support and financing for pro bono lawyers.
Furthermore, the support of pro bono lawyers by non-profit establishments works greatly in providing legal aid help for those who can’t afford a lawyer.
4. Donations and grants
Donations and grants are another great way pro bono lawyers obtain payment for their voluntary services. Diverse firms, as well as individuals, usually provide funding for pro bono lawyers and firms. This helps pay for staff salaries, administration funding, etc. This ensures an effective representation of clients by pro bono lawyers.
5. Statutes on fee-shifting
Statutes on fee-shifting refer to laws in the legal field that permit the winning party in a case to demand repayment of lawyer fees from their defeated opponents. Pro bono lawyers can opt for statutes on fee-shifting after winning a case through this law.
At this point, the opponents will reimburse the full attorney fees of the pro bono lawyer. In the end, statutes on fee-shifting usually encourage pro bono lawyers to help their clients and get full repayment of their fees upon attaining victory.
Merits of Working as a Pro Bono Lawyer
In addition to the various forms of payment available to pro bono lawyers, several other merits are attached. This includes:
I. Attainment of legal aid for clients
A main merit of working as a pro bono lawyer entails attaining legal aid for clients who can’t afford it. Through their volunteering representation, the legal field tends to be more accessible to underprivileged people.
II. Professional advancement
Working as a pro bono lawyer can aid in professional advancement as a lawyer. This further helps in the exploration of diverse sectors of the law, as well as getting a better evaluation of the current justice system.
III. Increasing value for the field of law
Pro bono lawyers’ services also increase society’s value for the field of law. This further entails the resolve of lawyers to bring justice to society at little or no cost. And in the end, society will always appreciate the legal field and trust lawyers more.
My Opinion
In conclusion, pro bono lawyers usually offer immeasurable aid for the underprivileged in society. Although pro bono services are usually without expectations for payment, there are several ways such volunteering lawyers get their payment. The highlight above will be indispensable at this point.
References
- Supporting Justice: A Report on the Pro Bono Work of America’s Lawyers; Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20180908093331/https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/images/probono_public_service/ts/report.pdf
- ABA Recognizes Pro Bono Work by Lawyers in First National Celebration; News Release: https://web.archive.org/web/20121015070912/http://apps.americanbar.org/abanet/media/release/news_release.cfm?releaseid=691
I’m a driven and accomplished law graduate and post-graduate, passionate about sharing my legal expertise via my blog. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of London (UK) and a Master’s in Law from the University of Derby (UK). Both gave me the foundational knowledge and skills to excel in my chosen career path.
Throughout my academic journey, I have gained extensive knowledge in various fields of Law, including Corporate and Business Law in the USA, Criminal Law, International Law, US Copyright law, and most importantly, American Constitutional law.
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