Feb. 3, 2016 – You’ve done the hardest part: You stood up and volunteered your time. Now, the Pro Bono Honor Society would like to recognize your service and inspire more lawyers to follow your example.
The Pro Bono Honor Society recognizes Wisconsin lawyers who volunteer at least 50 hours of their time annually to help improve the administration of justice and expand access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents. Through SCR 20:6.1, the Wisconsin Supreme Court set a goal of 50 hours of pro bono legal services per year as a way of acknowledging that the legal profession has an important role to play in helping to close the justice gap in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society, created by the Access to Justice Commission and the State Bar of Wisconsin, recognizes lawyers who have provided the qualifying pro bono service in 2015.
Certify Your Service by Feb. 29 to Be Recognized
Now is the time to certify your service. Lawyers may self-certify that they qualify for Pro Bono Honor Society membership based on their service in 2015. In addition, others who have knowledge of the attorney’s pro bono work – such law firms, pro bono programs, legal aid organizations and judges – may submit a certification for an attorney.
Submit certifications using this online form.
Which Pro Bono Services Qualify?
“Qualifying pro bono legal services” means the direct provision of legal services without fee or expectation of fee, or at a substantially reduced fee, to:
persons of limited means;
organizations in matters that primarily address the needs of persons of limited means; or
other organizations to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties, or public rights so long as a substantial majority of such services benefit persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means.
Visit the commission's website to learn more about this opportunity, and to submit your 2015 Pro Bono Honor Society certification by Feb. 29.
What does inclusion in the Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society mean?
An annual list of the honorees will be posted on the websites for the Access to Justice Commission, published in the State Bar Wisconsin Lawyer, and the Wisconsin Court System. The commission will also work with associations and judges to organize local recognition events.
Inclusion in the Pro Bono Honor Society supports and encourages pro bono service in Wisconsin. You can always find pro bono opportunities that fit your interests and skills through the searchable online pro bono directory on the State Bar’s website, WisBar.org.
If you have questions about the Pro Bono Honor Society, please email State Bar Pro Bono Coordinator Jeff Brown.
Pro Bono Honor Society
Learn more about the Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society on the Commission’s website. To find more opportunities for pro bono service, visit the State Bar Pro Bono Directory.
