What is the definition of a pro bono matter?
A pro bono matter encompasses direct legal services, specifically full legal representation, brief advice at a clinic, or any other client contact resulting in the transfer of legal information from volunteer to client or service in an advocacy role on behalf of a client. Should bar services be included in this report? The purpose of the report is to focus on the delivery of legal services to the poor and disadvantaged, therefore most bar activities, although important to furthering access to justice, should not be included in pro bono totals. However, if legal assistance is provided in the context of bar activities, such as preparation of a brief, such participation should count as a pro bono activity. Should service on a nonprofit organization’s board of directors count toward the pro bono total? No, unless the board service includes giving legal advice to the nonprofit organization. How do I calculate the number of volunteer attorneys and pro bono matters for 2008? We are looking fo
