By Michael Wendlberger
- Providing free consultations is pro bono—Fiction. Free consultations taken at the onset of a meeting with the goal of taking on a potential paying client are not pro bono. You can provide free consultations through a telephonic ask-a-lawyer program.
- Pro Bono cases take too much time—Fiction. Legal Aid Center Pro Bono Project provides sample pleadings and training to get attorneys ready for their first pro bono matter. Most pro bono appearances are virtual, and many judges will take pro bono matters first. In addition, many firms in our community allow pro bono hours to count towards a portion of an associate’s annual billing requirements.
- Pro bono attorneys are liable for costs in a pro bono case—Fiction. The client is responsible for any costs in a pro bono matter. The court waives most court fees upon filing a Statement of Legal Aid Representation, which the Legal Aid Center Pro Bono Project provides. Some programs, like the Federal Pro Bono Program, reimburse up to $7,500 for reasonable costs.
- Clients are ungrateful—Fiction. Legal Aid Center staff interview clients to ensure clients meet income requirements and have meritorious claims. Pro bono attorneys have the opportunity to help someone during a crisis and change their life forever. Clients are appreciative of and grateful for pro bono attorneys.
- Pro bono attorneys have support—Fact. Legal Aid Center is by your side throughout the case, providing primary malpractice insurance, mentors, sample pleadings, and training. In addition, volunteers receive one CLE credit for every three hours spent on a pro bono matter, earning up to four CLE credits per year. Under Rule 6.1, every lawyer shall aspire to provide 20 hours of pro bono service to the community. So, get involved today at www.lacsnprobono.org. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Pro Bono Project will help you obtain your pro bono hours.
About the author
Michael Wendlberger is the Directing Attorney of Legal Aid Center’s Pro Bono Project providing legal services to over 2,000 clients in 2023. Before joining Legal Aid Center in 2016, Michael spent seven years as a consumer civil litigation attorney in California. He serves on the Clark County Bar Association Board of Directors. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University, Fresno, and obtained his Juris Doctor at UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law. Michael is passionate about providing zealous advocacy to those in need and works with his team to expand pro bono throughout Nevada.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Jan. 2025), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2025/communique-jan-2025/.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
© 2025 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.