MEMBERSHIP

The Association of Pro Bono Counsel (APBCo) was established in 2006 as a professional organization for attorneys and practice group managers who run a law firm pro bono practice on a full-time basis.  Today, APBCo has over 270 members representing over 130 of the world’s largest law firms.

APBCo’s mission is to maximize access to justice through the delivery of pro bono legal services by:

  • Advancing the model of the full-time law firm pro bono counsel
  • Supporting and enhancing the professional development of pro bono counsel
  • Serving as the voice of the law firm pro bono community

APBCo does not provide pro bono legal services or referrals to legal aid or public interest agencies. If you believe you need a lawyer, please contact your local bar association or go to lawhelp.org.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP ARE AS FOLLOWS:

  • APBCo membership is primarily made up of attorneys who currently manage a law firm pro bono practice on a full-time basis.
  • Other categories of eligible members include:
    • Non-attorneys who currently manage a law firm pro bono practice on a full-time basis; and
    • Non-attorneys who currently provide programmatic (not administrative) support to an APBCo member on a full-time basis and are sponsored by the APBCo member.
  • The following group of people are also eligible to become members but such applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors or its designee:
    • Attorneys who currently spend approximately 50% or more of their time managing a law firm pro bono practice.

The Board of Directors will review, and will have full discretion to approve or deny applications for general membership.

As used herein, “full-time basis” means those who are employed full-time or less than full-time but work exclusively in their roles in a law firm pro bono practice.

Membership is limited to individuals. Law firms and other entities are not eligible for membership. Payment of annual membership dues of $400 USD per calendar year ($135 USD for members located outside the United States) is required to activate membership. Members whose applications are approved between July 1 and December 31 will be allowed to pay pro-rated dues of $200 USD ($67.50 USD for members located outside the United States).

If you are involved in the management of your law firm’s pro bono practice, but do not fall within the requirements noted above, or in managing a pro bono practice at a corporation, please consider joining the Pro Bono Counsel & Coordinators site developed by APBCo in partnership with Pro Bono Net.  If you are managing a pro bono practice at a legal aid or public interest organization, please consider joining the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals (NAPBPro).

Join Now!