Why do pro bono?

Pro bono not only serves Hoosiers who can’t afford legal services, it also benefits the courts, the attorney providing the services, and society as a whole.

• It’s good for the clients. Having a pro bono attorney significantly improves outcomes for clients and their families. For tenants, getting advice and counsel from an attorney greatly increases the chances of delaying or avoiding eviction.1 For domestic violence survivors, having an attorney stand between them and their abuser can relieve some of their fear, and help them break the cycle of abuse for themselves and their children. For immigrants facing the possibility of deportation or removal, getting help with creating a safety plan can ensure that their children and assets remain protected. For seniors, having a basic estate plan prepared by a volunteer attorney can avoid an unnecessary and contentious guardianship.
• It’s good for the court system. Approximately 25% of all civil cases filed in Indiana have at least one unrepresented party.1 This percentage is even higher in the areas of domestic relations, small claims, debt collection, guardianships, and criminal expungements. 2 Courts report that unrepresented parties tend to require more court assistance, have trouble following court rules, cause unwelcome delays, and clog the court’s docket with more contested hearings. 3 Having more volunteer attorneys available to help “clear the clutter” would go a long way towards greater court efficiency.
• It’s good for society. Providing pro bono services helps bridge the divide between those with the means to afford legal services and those who don’t. Helping people obtain child support, avoid default judgments, or recover unpaid wages can also help them avoid or reduce reliance on public welfare programs. Doing presentations about legal rights and responsibilities to students and communities can prevent costly legal mistakes in the future.
• It’s good for you. Doing pro bono develops professional skills, particularly interviewing, writing, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy. Clinics give attorneys a chance to interact with and learn from people from a variety of backgrounds, and to gain exposure to a wider range of subject areas. Volunteering can also create a sense of personal satisfaction, and remind attorneys why they decided to become lawyers.