Pro Bono Legal Services in Pennsylvania: Free Legal Help for Those in Need
Pro bono legal services provide free legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Through Pennsylvania pro bono programs, eligible residents may be able to receive legal help with certain civil matters at no cost. These programs help expand access to legal representation and connect people with attorneys who volunteer their time and services.
What Is Pro Bono Legal Representation?
“Pro bono” is a legal term that refers to attorneys providing legal services free of charge to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
Across Pennsylvania, attorneys volunteer their time and legal knowledge to help people facing a variety of legal challenges, including housing issues, consumer debt disputes, family law matters, and other civil legal issues.
Pro bono programs help ensure that individuals have access to legal assistance regardless of their financial circumstances.
Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Programs
The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) maintains programs dedicated to connecting eligible individuals with volunteer attorneys.
Each year, the PBA Pro Bono Office helps thousands of Pennsylvanians obtain legal assistance they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Individuals seeking free legal help may be able to apply through the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s pro bono programs and legal assistance resources.
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the type of legal issue and available volunteer attorneys.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Usually Do Not Charge Upfront Fees
Many people are surprised to learn that Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys generally do not charge hourly fees for representing injured workers.
Instead, workers’ compensation lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- No upfront attorney fees
- No hourly billing
- No out-of-pocket litigation costs in most cases
- Attorney fees are typically paid only if benefits or compensation are recovered
As a result, many injured workers can obtain legal representation without worrying about the financial burden of hiring an attorney.
Giving Back Through Pro Bono Service
At Stern & Cohen, we are proud to represent hardworking Pennsylvanians and believe strongly in giving back to the communities we serve.
Our attorneys have participated in pro bono programs and have provided free legal services to individuals facing significant legal and financial challenges.
Helping people access legal assistance when they need it most is an important part of our commitment to serving the people of Pennsylvania.
Helping Pennsylvania Residents Through Pro Bono Work
The need for pro bono legal services became especially apparent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many individuals faced job loss, financial hardship, debt collection actions, and housing concerns.
For example, Stern & Cohen attorney Brian Betley has represented clients through pro bono consumer debt matters, helping individuals facing significant credit card debt negotiate more manageable payment arrangements and reduce financial burdens.
These efforts reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to helping people navigate difficult situations and obtain meaningful legal assistance.
Finding Free Legal Help in Pennsylvania
If you are unable to afford an attorney, Pennsylvania offers several resources that may be able to help.
Potential options include:
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Programs
- Local legal aid organizations
- County bar association referral programs
- Community legal services organizations
- Volunteer attorney programs
Exploring these resources can help individuals find legal assistance when financial circumstances make hiring a private attorney difficult.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a work-related accident, Stern & Cohen is here to help.
Our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys provide free consultations and represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover benefits on your behalf.
Contact Stern & Cohen today to discuss your workers’ compensation claim and learn more about your legal rights.
FAQs
What does pro bono mean?
Pro bono refers to legal services provided by an attorney at no cost to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
Does Pennsylvania offer free legal assistance programs?
Yes. Pennsylvania has several legal aid and pro bono programs that help qualifying individuals obtain free legal services for certain civil legal matters.
How do I apply for pro bono legal help in Pennsylvania?
Many organizations, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association and local legal aid providers, offer application processes to determine eligibility for free legal services.
Are workers' compensation lawyers free in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means injured workers generally do not pay upfront legal fees and attorney fees are usually paid only if benefits are recovered.