VOLUNTEER OR DONATE

"Rule 6.1 Pro Bono Publico Service. A lawyer should render public interest legal service. A lawyer may discharge this responsibility by providing professional services at no fee or a reduced fee to persons of limited means or to public service or charitable groups or organizations, by service in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession, and by financial support for organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means."

The defining principle of our legal system is the promise of equal justice under law for all. Yet, despite this promise, there is a crisis of unmet legal needs among the indigent in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation.

As officers of the court, lawyers are reminded of their responsibility to perform pro bono publico service by Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1. One way to help meet this ethical obligation is through the voluntary financial support of legal aid programs that deliver civil legal assistance to low-income and disadvantaged Pennsylvanians. The availability of these programs to low-income individuals is often directly related to their ability to obtain credit, maintain housing, access federal safety net programs, and sustain employment - all of which are critical to core economic stability and community development.

A voluntary contribution of $50, or whatever is feasible whether greater or less, will be used to award grants to nonprofit organizations and law school clinical programs providing these critical legal services. Your voluntary, tax-deductible contribution can help IOLTA continue to support and expand these programs.