Feb. 7, 2024 – Did you donate more than 50 hours of pro bono services in 2023? If yes, the State Bar of Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society would like to recognize your service and inspire more lawyers to follow your example.

How? Complete the certification form on the Pro Bono Honor Society webpage and send it to the State Bar by March 1, 2024.

What is the State Bar Pro Bono Honor Society?

The Pro Bono Honor Society recognizes Wisconsin lawyers who volunteer at least 50 hours of their time annually to help expand access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents.

Through SCR 20:6.1, the Wisconsin Supreme Court set a goal of 50 hours of pro bono legal services per year as a way of acknowledging that the legal profession has an important role to play in helping to close the justice gap in Wisconsin.

In 2022, 296 Wisconsin lawyers registered more than 14,800 pro-bono hours of service.

Certify Your Service by March 1

Now is the time to submit your certification. Lawyers may self-certify that they qualify for Pro Bono Honor Society status based on their service in 2023.

In addition, others who have knowledge of the attorney’s pro bono work – such as law firms, pro bono programs, legal aid organizations, and judges – may submit a certification for an attorney.

Be sure to complete the certification form and send it to the State Bar by March 1, 2024.

Which Pro Bono Services Qualify?

“Qualifying pro bono legal services” for this program means the direct provision of legal services without fee or expectation of fee, or at a substantially reduced fee, to:

• persons of limited means;

• organizations in matters that primarily address the needs of persons of limited means; or

• other organizations to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties, or public rights, so long as a substantial majority of such services benefit persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means.

What Does Inclusion in the Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society Mean?

Inclusion in the Pro Bono Honor Society supports and encourages pro bono service in Wisconsin.

We will celebrate your work and publish an annual list of the honorees in the State Bar’s InsideTrack newsletter and in Wisconsin Lawyer^™ magazine.

Where Can I Find Pro Bono Opportunities?

Find pro bono opportunities that fit your interests and skills through the searchable online Pro Bono Portal on the State Bar’s website at wisbar.org/probono – just find the red “Volunteer” button.

If you have questions about the Pro Bono Honor Society or pro bono in Wisconsin, contact Sarah Watson, State Bar pro bono program manager by email, or visit the State Bar’s Pro Bono page.