State policies that address pro bono can contribute to the expansion of pro bono within a state's borders and beyond. By articulating goals and acceptable procedures relating to pro bono, a state can spread important messages about pro bono and effect increases in pro bono participation and monetary contributions by attorneys in support of pro bono and other legal services initiatives.

The messages conveyed through state policy can also spark curiosity amongst pro bono supporters outside of a particular state. What one state is doing on a policy level may be of value to another state because successful policy in one state might translate into successful policy in another state. Similarly, challenges faced through the process of policy development in one state might serve as a helpful guide in another state.

Click on links below to find information about pro bono policies that interest you. To submit or update information about pro bono policy in your state, .

• Continuing Legal Education (CLE)/Pro Bono State Rules
• Emeritus Rules for Pro Bono
• ABA Model Rule 6.1 and Its Application, State-by-State
• Judicial District Committee Plans for Pro Bono
• Model Court Rule on Provision of Legal Services Following Determination of Major Disaster (Katrina Rule)

The American Bar Association House of Delegates approved a resolution of interest to the pro bono community at the 2007 ABA Midyear Meeting in February - A Model Court Rule on Provision of Legal Services Following Determination of Major Disaster (Katrina Rule). The model rule would allow out-of-state lawyers to provide pro bono legal services in an affected jurisdiction and lawyers in the affected jurisdiction whose legal practices had been disrupted by a major disaster to practice law on a temporary basis in an unaffected jurisdiction. For more information, see the following links below…

Report to House of Delegates (adopted February 2007)

Model Court Rule

Amendment to Model Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5

Chart - State Implementation of ABA Model Court Rule on Provision of Legal Services Following Determination of Major Disaster

• Reporting of Pro Bono Service

State-by-State

Guide for Bar Leaders and Others

Arguments in Favor and Against

• Rules/Policies for Judicial Participation in Pro Bono
• Standards for Programs Providing Civil Pro Bono Legal Services to Persons of Limited Means