May 3, 2017 – The program that lets Wisconsin lawyers to do pro bono work from any location – including in their pajamas – is now partnered with American Bar Association’s new Free Legal Answers program.

Wisconsin Legal Advice Online (WLAO) is an online equivalent of a walk-in clinic. It’s a service that makes it easy for attorneys to do pro bono work for short periods of time – by answering questions on a website – without taking on additional long-term clients or obligations.

Now Partnered with the ABA

The ABA’s national Free Legal Answers program enhances WLAO.

“The new site offers new features for volunteers and clients, including a mobile-friendly design, sending and receiving attachments, saving draft answers, easy filtering of questions, and much more,” said Jeff Brown, State Bar pro bono coordinator and administrator of WLAO.

Pro Bono Work – During a Free Moment

Launched in early 2016, WLAO was created by the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission and sponsored by the State Bar’s pro bono program to make legal advice available to more Wisconsin residents.

How it works: Clients go through the online screening process to establish that they are financially eligible to use the site, agree to the limited scope of the assistance provided, and are then able to post a legal question for participating volunteers. Volunteer lawyers can log in to the site anytime as well, select the question that they want to answer, and then respond when it is convenient.

The entire exchange takes place through the website – there is no expectation of any ongoing representation.

The site also helps you to track your pro bono time, so that you can register for CLE credits from pro bono work and qualify for the Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society.

Volunteer Today

Visit the volunteer sign-up page to learn more about the program and to find answers to frequently asked questions.