Volunteer Resources
Below are State Bar resources available for attorneys who volunteer with a recognized legal services or pro bono program:
- State Bar Malpractice Insurance Network pays premiums for professional liability insurance for more than 55 legal aid and pro bono service programs throughout Texas. The insurance covers staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers for cases taken through approved legal aid and pro bono service programs. If malpractice insurance is a concern, please contact the legal services organization for which you are considering volunteering to verify coverage.
- State Bar Pro Bono Mentor Program provides up to 5 hours of MCLE credit (including 1 hour of ethics) to attorneys participating as a “mentor” or “mentee” when handling a pro bono case for an approved legal aid or pro bono service program. Nomination by pro bono coordinator is required.
- Tuition Waivers to any TexasBarCLE courses are available for pro bono attorneys who are nominated by approved legal aid or pro bono service programs for their service. Nomination by pro bono coordinator is required.
- Free Membership in the Pro Bono College of the State Bar for attorneys who contribute a minimum of 75 hours (or paralegals who contribute a minimum of 50 hours) of eligible pro bono legal services in a year. Benefits include a certificate signed by the State Bar President and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas; a free one-year subscription to the TexasBarCLE Online Library; a free one-year subscription to the LegalFront e-newsletter; recognition at the State Bar Annual Meeting; and reduced tuition for the Annual Poverty Law Conference. Report your pro bono hours today!
- Access to the Statewide Advocate Website at TexasLawyersHelp containing resources designed for legal aid and pro bono attorneys in Texas. Registration is required.
Attorneys may volunteer with:
To inquire about other pro bono opportunities in your area, contact Texas Lawyers Care or the statewide advocate website, TexasLawyersHelp.
Other helpful resources for pro bono attorneys are listed below:
- Attorney Ethics Helpline is a free service designed to assist Texas attorneys who have questions about their ethical obligations to clients, courts, and the public under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. The Helpline number is (800) 532-3947and is operated Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The Texas Young Lawyers Association offers programs designed to assist Texas attorneys in their practice of law and to provide public legal education services to Texans.
- ABA Center for Pro Bono is a project of the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service which offers a library of materials for pro bono program administrators and volunteers as well as technical assistance, news, and training resources. Pro Bono Clients: Strategies for Success outlines eight tips to help attorneys understand and effectively serve their pro bono clients.
- Pro Bono Institute at Georgetown University Law Center provides information, training, and consulting to large law firms and corporations interested in making a pro bono commitment. Corporate Pro Bono provides information for in-house lawyers and their companies interested in starting or expanding a pro bono program.
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