If you’ve heard both “legal aid” and “pro bono” and wondered whether they’re the same — you’re not alone. They both offer free or low-cost legal help — but work in different ways. This guide explains how legal aid and pro bono differ, and what that means if you need help.
What Is Legal Aid?
Legal aid refers to free or low-cost legal services provided by nonprofit organizations (or publicly funded legal-services offices) to people who cannot afford a lawyer. According to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), legal aid helps low-income individuals and families with civil legal problems — such as housing, family law, public benefits, employment, consumer issues, and other matters.
These legal aid organizations receive funding from government grants, charitable foundations, and other sources. That funding lets them provide services at no cost (or very low cost) to eligible people.
What Is Pro Bono?
Pro bono means a lawyer or law firm volunteering to take on a case for free (or very reduced fee), without compensation from the client. “Pro bono” comes from a Latin phrase meaning “for the public good.”
Pro bono work is often done by private attorneys — sometimes through organized pro bono programs — representing individuals or groups who otherwise couldn’t afford legal help. It might be a one-time consultation, a full court case, or limited legal assistance depending on the attorney’s availability and capacity.
Key Differences — Legal Aid vs. Pro Bono
| Feature | Legal Aid | Pro Bono |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Nonprofit legal aid organizations or publicly-funded legal services offices | Private attorneys or law firms volunteering their time |
| Funding | Funded by grants, government funding, donations — lawyers are paid by the organization, not by you | Volunteer — lawyers do not charge or expect payment (or expect minimal payment) for the case |
| Eligibility or screening | Usually based on income, type of legal problem, and availability — must meet program criteria | No formal “income eligibility,” but attorneys may choose which cases to take; sometimes limited to particular types of cases |
| Scope & capacity | Often has organized staff, resources, possibly broader scope — but still limited by funding and high demand | Depends on each attorney or firm — may handle fewer cases, or only certain kinds of cases depending on availability and willingness |
| How you get help | By contacting a legal aid office (intake, screening) that serves your area | By finding a volunteer attorney — often through a bar association program, referral service, or pro bono clinic |
When Each Might Help You
- Legal aid is often your best choice if you have low income, and need help with housing, family law, benefits, consumer problems, or other civil issues typical of nonprofit legal aid organizations.
- Pro bono may help if you don’t qualify for legal aid — or if your issue is outside what legal aid serves — and you find a volunteer lawyer willing to take your case. Pro bono can also supplement legal aid when demand is high or resources limited.
FAQ — Legal Aid vs. Pro Bono
Q: Can I get both legal aid and pro bono help?
Yes. Legal aid organizations sometimes refer clients to pro bono attorneys when they don’t have capacity — or pro bono lawyers may volunteer through legal aid offices.
Q: Does “pro bono” mean the lawyer is less experienced than legal aid lawyers?
No. Pro bono lawyers are professional attorneys who choose to volunteer — they may be quite experienced, and sometimes handle complex cases. The fact that it’s pro bono doesn’t mean lower quality.
Q: If I qualify for legal aid, should I still seek pro bono first?
Usually legal aid is a good starting point — but it depends on availability. If legal aid offices are full or don’t cover your issue, looking for a pro bono lawyer can be a useful backup plan.
Q: Are there legal issues pro bono lawyers won’t take?
Yes. Because pro bono is voluntary, some attorneys may choose not to take high-risk, high-cost, or very time-consuming cases. They tend to take cases they are comfortable handling.
Q: Will using pro bono or legal aid affect my eligibility for other services or my privacy?
No. Both pro bono and legal aid attorneys are bound by the same ethical rules. Using either doesn’t change your rights — but you may have to provide income or personal information for screening if using legal aid programs.
Q: How do I find a pro bono lawyer if I need one?
You can check your state or local bar association, legal-aid referral services, or websites like LawHelp.org to find volunteer lawyer programs.
Key Takeaways
- Legal aid and pro bono both aim to help people who can’t afford legal services — but they work differently.
- Legal aid is structured and funded by grants, nonprofits, and public funding; pro bono is volunteer work by private lawyers.
- Which one works best depends on your income, your legal issue, and who has capacity.
- If you need help — it’s worth checking both options. Sometimes one will be a better fit, sometimes both might help.