What are Pro Bono Legal Services?
Although there is no single definition, the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide useful guidance. The Model Rules state that pro bono legal services are those legal services performed without compensation and include, but are not limited to, the provision of legal services to: persons of limited means; charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, and educational organizations in matters which are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means, or to further their organizational purpose; individuals, groups, or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties, or public rights; or activities for improving the law, the legal system, or the legal profession. • Ethics Considerations FEMA attorneys need to be aware of a number of legal constraints that may apply to outside activities, including pro bono activities. These legal constraints include: • 18 U.S.C. §205 (prohibiting Federal employees from eng
