After graduating from law school, lawyers can choose from more than 21 options. Many lawyers believe in doing pro bono work. A pro bono lawyer takes an entire or a portion of the case at no cost to the client and does not charge any fee in any form. Although some lawyers occasionally take on pro bono cases, other attorneys specialize in pro bono work and have achieved great success.

Covington & Burling
This general practice legal firm, established in 1919, concentrates on public service. The law company invests time and money into locating pro bono projects and actively encourages its attorneys to volunteer their time. Covington has remained the top pro bono law firm for the previous three years, with its attorneys putting in an average of more than 177.8 hours of pro bono work.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed (HHR)
HHR is a leading international law firm focusing on quality and results. They strongly believe in public service and emphasize pro bono work, particularly for impoverished populations, abused women, immigrants, and those wrongly convicted.

Jenner & Block
This law firm has offices in Chicago, London, New York City, and Washington, D.C. It was founded by Albert E. Jenner Jr. and Samuel W. Block, both passionate about pro bono work. The company encourages new associates to work with a guiding partner and perform pro bono work immediately. The company lays so much emphasis on volunteer work that there is no cap on the number of pro bono hours its attorneys can work. Pro bono lawyers at Jenner & Block put in an average of 170 hours annually, with other attorneys working more than 20 hours in the country.

Orrick
With its headquarters in San Francisco, this global law practice was established in the 1860s by John R. Jarboe Jr. and concentrated on the technology industry. The National Law Journal has recognized the firm for its pro bono work and has been awarded The National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s 2020 Beacon of Justice Award. Nearly 200,000 hours of pro bono work are completed annually by 99% of Orrick’s attorneys based in the country, contributing to the firm’s total.

Her Justice
Originally known as InMotion, Her Justice provides legal aid to poor and frequently abused women in the country. They recruit and mentor pro bono lawyers to provide legal assistance to address issues, including divorce, orders of protection, and immigration.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA), founded in 1969, is a leading legal aid and education organization. It is dedicated to representing low-income independent artists and nonprofit arts organizations in legal matters. VLA strives to protect the artist community’s livelihood, business, and creative work by providing them with dedicated legal representation.

Ladder Up
Founded in 1994 by Rober Burke, Ladder Up assists people in the country with filing tax returns and reclaiming tax benefits. Furthermore, it also provides workshops and guidance on financial help for education. Partner law firms include Paul Hastings, Reed Smith, Baker & McKenzie, and Kirkland & Ellis.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a nonprofit organization founded by the Microsoft Corporation and Angelina Jolie. KIND has offices in the country and Mexico. It represents unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children facing deportation. Nearly 68,000 kids arrived unaccompanied in the country in 2014. 

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF)
The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) was founded in 2003. It aims to eradicate discrimination and protect transgender people’s civil rights, including workplace discrimination, access to health care, and assistance with legal name changes. Davis Polk, Cadwalader, Sullivan & Cromwell, and Reed Smith are some of TLDEF’s ardent supporters.

How to find a pro bono lawyer?
The American Bar Association has a helpful map that allows a person to select one’s state of residence and locate a local pro bono lawyer. All that one has to do is search pro bono lawyers near me on the internet. Additionally, the Legal Services Corporation, created by Congress in 1974, can assist in locating a local legal assistance office. 133 clinics nationwide receive support from the Corporation.

One can also try ABA Free Legal Answers if one needs legal advice. A competent lawyer can analyze the issues by submitting a question and determining whether a person needs more assistance. Afterward, a pro bono lawyer can be assigned based on one’s question.

Legal issues can be extremely stressful. And it gets even more complicated when one does not have the means of paying for the attorney. Fortunately, most law firms devote a specified number of hours to charity annually. The American BAR Association’s recommendations play a factor in the decision-making process. No client should ever feel like they did not receive the best service simply because they cannot afford it. Pro bono lawyers are rigorously supervised to ensure the highest service quality.