Pro Bono Publico Toolkit
"Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to assist in the provision of legal services to those unable to pay. ...A lawyer should aspire to render at least thirty (30) hours of pro bono publico service per year." RPC 6.1
Pro bono publico includes:
- Taking a pro bono case
- Delivering legal services at a substantially reduced rate to people of limited means
- Volunteering with a pro bono organization or Qualified Legal Services Provider
- Sitting on a WSBA Board or Committee
- Teaching a CLE program
- Using legal skills to advise a nonprofit organization
- Participating in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession
Pro Bono and Public Service Opportunities
Find a pro bono program or organization
Provide reduced-rate services to moderate-income clients
Reporting Your Pro Bono Publico Hours
WSBA members can voluntarily report their total pro bono service hours via MyWSBA.org during re-licensing season. WSBA members may also claim CLE credit for approved pro bono activities at mcle.WSBA.org.
Report Your Total Pro Bono Service Hours: License Renewal FAQ Page | MyWSBA.org
Claim MCLE Credit for Pro Bono Service: MCLE for Mentorship & Pro Bono | MCLE Pro Bono Credit Reporting
Pro Bono Publico Honor Roll
WSBA members who non-anonymously report 50 hours or more of pro bono publico service are added to the Pro Bono Publico Honor Roll. Honor roll members are recognized in October of the following calendar year in the Bar News magazine and by the Washington Supreme Court, as well as through annual WSBA pro bono commendation initiatives.
View the 2020 Honor Roll: Washington State Supreme Court | October 2021 Bar News Issue
Pro Bono License Status
The Pro Bono License status allows you to keep practicing by volunteering with a Qualified Legal Services Provider (QLSP) only. License fees are the same as inactive status ($200) and there is no MCLE requirement. Pro Bono Status members that volunteer 30 or more hours with a QLSP can have their annual license fee waived.
Pro Bono Status Information: Pro Bono Status License Page | Pro Bono Status FAQ
Find a Qualified Legal Services Provider: QLSP Directory | QLSP Volunteer Information
Model Pro Bono Policies
Approved by the WSBA Board of Governors in July 2019 and developed by the WSBA Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, the WSBA offers three model pro bono policy templates that can be accessed, customized, and adopted by your organization. Please reach out to the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee for assistance with finalizing and adopting a policy, or identifying opportunities for pro bono work for the organization’s attorneys.
Model Policies (in Word format): Law Firm (any size) | Corporate/In-House Legal Departments | Government Entities
Pro Bono Trainings and Events
REJI Washington Pro Bono Equity Training Guide: Published by the Race Equity and Justice Initiative, this guide is for volunteer lawyers and organizations seeking to build equity and anti-bias skills in delivering pro bono services.
Pro Bono Washington Calendar: ProBonoWA.org is a clearinghouse for pro bono organizations and opportunities in Washington. Visit the calendar to view upcoming trainings hosted by pro bono organizations related to pro bono service.
