Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership
Attorneys play a major role in our system of civil justice. Providing pro bono services to persons of limited means can mean the difference between justice for some and justice for all. Pro bono service is one of the most rewarding experiences in an attorney’s career. Helping someone vulnerable who would otherwise go unrepresented can bring a great deal of career satisfaction. In Arkansas, as the population of those living in poverty continues to rise, there is a critical, growing need for legal services. One out of every five of our fellow citizens is eligible for legal aid. You can help make the ideal of justice for all a reality in someone’s life today.
Click here to sign up as a pro bono volunteer
 The Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership was established to expand the pool of attorney volunteers to meet the civil legal needs of low-income Arkansans. It is the state-wide registration and support system for the four regional pro bono organizations. Through this website the Partnership provides legal information, such as the Poverty Law Manual and the Online Legal Library. We also provide form letters, pleadings and automated documents that you may customize for use in your pro bono and private practice. Secondary malpractice insurance coverage, CLE seminars at reduced rates, and a monthly e-newsletter of available pro bono cases are additional benefits of becoming a Partnership member. Click here to view Pro Bono Resources. After registering with the Partnership, volunteer attorneys work directly with the pro bono unit in their county service area.
 The need for pro bono legal services has never been greater. As Arkansas’ poverty population grows, so does the need for representation of their interests. In conjunction with the rising number of poor persons, the funding for legal services programs has continued to decrease. Federal government funding has declined while the State of Arkansas provides no appropriation for civil legal services. This lack of resources combined with a growing needy population has created a perfect storm of injustice. Arkansas has 16% of its citizens living at or below the poverty level; as compared to 12.4% of the national population. In the Delta area, fully 25% of the population is in poverty. Private attorneys can help address these problems by volunteering.
- Click here for the stats and facts on the need for civil justice.
- Click here to view the kinds of choices the poor must make (Streaming Video)
|
I will not reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the impoverished, the defenseless, or the oppressed. I will endeavor always to advance the cause of justice....
Arkansas Attorney's Oath
|
|
THE ETHICAL OBLIGATION
In 2005, the Arkansas Supreme Court modified Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 6.1 to include an aspirational goal of 50 hours of pro bono service per year. The new Rule clarified the types of cases and clients that qualify as pro bono assistance. The Rule also states that in addition to providing pro bono services, attorneys should make annual donations to the state legal services providers.
RESOURCES
Many pro bono matters may be outside a private attorney’s area of expertise. The Partnership provides a wealth of resources to help you develop your skills in new areas. You can feel a sense of confidence, and competence, when using the many forms, pleadings and automated documents we offer. Click here to access the Pro Bono Toolbox.
|
